All articles tagged with #tommy lloyd
A circulating rumor on Doug Gottlieb's podcast claims Michael Jordan called Tommy Lloyd to recruit him to UNC, suggesting the Tar Heels are pursuing Lloyd as their next head coach, but the claim is unverified.
Arizona’s Tommy Lloyd has the Wildcats back in the Final Four, and rising coaching chatter could trigger a domino effect across college basketball: Lloyd’s future at Arizona, Dusty May’s skyrocketing stock (with possible interest from Kansas or UNC), and rumors of Billy Donovan to North Carolina or Bill Self retirement potentially opening Kansas. The piece frames the Final Four as a flashpoint for big-job moves that could reshape the coaching landscape beyond this season.
Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd has elevated the Wildcats to elite status (35–2 this season; 147–35 overall), but his name is increasingly tied to potential openings at North Carolina and Kansas. While Lloyd says he’s focused on Arizona, recent contract talks and the program’s stability—under AD Desiree Reed-Francois’s leadership and a strengthened athletic department budget—signal Arizona plans to keep him, even as the looming question remains whether a blue-blood offer could pry him away after this dominant run.
North Carolina’s hunt for a new men’s basketball coach is underway after Hubert Davis’s departure, with top targets T.J. Otzelberger and Tommy Lloyd publicly signaling commitment to their current programs, though neither has ruled out UNC once their seasons conclude, keeping the coaching carousel alive as the NCAA Tournament continues.
North Carolina has parted ways with Hubert Davis and will conduct a national search for its next head coach, eyeing elite candidates such as Tommy Lloyd, Billy Donovan, Dusty May, and T.J. Otzelberger. The process faces challenges including large buyouts, NIL costs, and UNC's funding constraints, and the school will use Turnkey ZRG to aid the search; two names reportedly not in consideration are Todd Golden and Nate Oats.
Arizona edged Iowa State in a back-and-forth Big 12 semifinal, with Jaden Bradley hitting the game-winning shot to send the Wildcats to the championship, where they’ll meet Houston or Kansas. Coach Tommy Lloyd praised his team’s resilience and explained the late-game execution as they navigated traps and a high-pressure finish.
Arizona beat UCF on the road despite Koa Peat and Anthony Dell’Orso struggling, riding a 19-2 first-half run, a 30-point night from Themus Fulks and timely shots from Brayden Burries; coach Tommy Lloyd praised the team’s winning DNA and a versatile big-man rotation (Krivas and Awaka) that helped navigate the hostile environment and secure the win.
Wisconsin Badgers secured a significant 103-88 victory over No. 9 Arizona, marking a strong start to their season and elevating their status in the Big Ten. Arizona's head coach Tommy Lloyd acknowledged Wisconsin's impressive offensive performance, particularly John Tonje's 41-point game, while expressing concerns over Arizona's defense and fouling issues. Despite the loss, Lloyd remains confident in Arizona's potential and emphasized the need for smarter play and adjustments to officiating. The game highlighted Wisconsin's strategic prowess and the vibrant atmosphere at the Kohl Center.
Arizona star center Oumar Ballo, one of the most dominant big men in college basketball, has entered the transfer portal as a graduate student for his final year of eligibility. Ballo, who began his career at Gonzaga before following coach Tommy Lloyd to Arizona, had a breakout campaign in 2022-23 and was a double-double machine in the past season, earning first-team All-Pac-12 honors in each of the past two seasons.
After Arizona's Sweet 16 loss to Clemson, coach Tommy Lloyd and players reflected on the season and the game. Lloyd expressed pride in the team's effort and resilience, while acknowledging Clemson's deserving victory. Players discussed their performances, the team's comeback efforts, and their love for the program despite the disappointing loss.
Tommy Lloyd and the Arizona Wildcats defeated Long Beach State in the NCAA Tournament, with Lloyd expressing mixed emotions about beating his old friend and mentor, Dan Monson, who was fired by Long Beach State after leading the team to their first NCAA bid since 2012. Lloyd criticized Long Beach State for not providing Monson with severance or benefits, while also praising his team's performance in the game, where they set records for 3-pointers made and attempted. Arizona's players also achieved notable statistical milestones in the victory.
Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd paid for Long Beach State coach Dan Monson's pizza as a gesture of gratitude and friendship, stemming from their coaching connection at Gonzaga. Despite Monson's recent firing, the two coaches share a deep bond and mutual respect. Their teams are set to face each other in the NCAA Tournament, but their relationship goes beyond the game, as they shared a meal and lighthearted banter before the matchup.
Arizona's quest for a third consecutive Pac-12 Tournament title ended with a semifinal loss to Oregon, leaving them to regroup before the NCAA tourney. Coach Tommy Lloyd credited Oregon's resilience and defensive play, while acknowledging Arizona's offensive stagnation and turnovers. Players discussed the need to improve decision-making, handle defensive pressure, and adjust offensive strategies to counter opponents' zone defenses. Despite the setback, the team remains determined to respond positively and prepare for the challenges ahead.
Arizona clinched the Pac-12 regular-season title with a win over UCLA and help from Washington State's loss to Washington. Head coach Tommy Lloyd secured his second outright conference championship in three years, positioning the Wildcats for a potential No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Arizona is ranked No. 7 in the CBS Sports Top 25 And 1 college basketball rankings and will conclude the regular season against USC.
Arizona basketball coach Tommy Lloyd has signed a five-year contract extension, keeping him with the Wildcats until at least 2029. The deal, pending approval, will see his salary rise to $6 million in the final year. Lloyd, who took over in 2021, has led the team to success, including Pac-12 championships and NCAA tournament appearances. The university's president praised Lloyd's leadership, and donor funds will cover the cost increase of the extension. Arizona also announced the hiring of Desiree Reed-Francois as its next athletic director.