Montaya Dew is eagerly anticipating her long-awaited debut with Arizona women’s basketball. Ranked No. 8 by ESPN HoopGurlz in 2023, Dew was the highest-ranked player ever to commit to Arizona and joined a top-ranked recruiting class. After a lengthy wait since January 2023 due to injury, fans are finally set to see her in action.
“I’m really excited now,” Dew shared. “It’s been almost two years since I last played a game. My injury last year was disappointing, but now I’m fully focused and ready for my first game. I’m super excited.”
Listed as a redshirt sophomore, Dew has yet to play for the Wildcats. She moved to Tucson from Las Vegas six months ahead of schedule, giving her time to adjust, though she still has four years of eligibility. Dew graduated early from Centennial High School, but Arizona head coach Adia Barnes decided not to play her immediately, partly due to Dew’s mother’s terminal illness. This arrangement allowed Dew to settle in before the 2023-24 season.
Dew faced significant challenges during her first year, including the death of her mother shortly after arriving in Tucson. Her family and the basketball program were crucial in helping her through this difficult time. Her brother and sister provided constant support, ensuring she stayed focused and motivated.
Despite the personal struggles, Dew stayed dedicated to basketball. Her anticipated freshman year in the fall of 2023 was cut short when she had knee surgery on August 11, 2023, sidelining her for the season. During her recovery, she focused on supporting her teammates and bonding with the team.
With her recovery complete, Dew is now fully cleared to play and is ready to return to the court. She feels confident and unafraid of re-injury, thanks to the support from her trainer and family. Her return is highly anticipated by Coach Barnes, who is excited to finally have Dew alongside her 2023 class members, including Jada Williams, Breya Cunningham, and Skylar Jones.
Barnes is particularly looking forward to seeing Dew play alongside sophomore forward Sahnya Jah, noting their potential to create a dynamic combination with versatile defensive skills.
Dew, who is expected to play primarily as a forward, has been working extensively with guards during the offseason. Her role will likely involve playing as a wing or stretching the court with her height and skills.
Known for her facilitating abilities in high school, Dew continues to prioritize helping her teammates score, although she has also focused on improving her own offensive game. Her confidence has grown significantly since her arrival at Arizona, contributing to her overall development.
Off the court, Dew is majoring in criminal justice with a minor in fine arts, aiming to become a forensic photographer. Despite the challenges, Dew feels that her time at Arizona has been a period of personal growth, maturing both as an athlete and an individual.
Looking ahead, Dew is determined to contribute to the team’s success, aiming to perform her role effectively and help the Wildcats achieve significant goals, including making it to March Madness and the Final Four.
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