Particle.news
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
4w ago

Arizona’s Tommy Lloyd Named Naismith Coach of the Year

The national honor crowns a 36-3 season that ended with Arizona’s first Final Four trip since 2001.

Image
Image
Apr 3, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona Wildcats head coach Tommy Lloyd speaks during a press conference ahead of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Lloyd won the Naismith Coach of the Year, a top national coaching award, over finalists Jon Scheyer, Fred Hoiberg and Dusty May.
  • Arizona’s run ended in the national semifinals with a 91-73 loss to Michigan, but the Wildcats broke a 25-year Final Four drought under Lloyd.
  • The Wildcats set a program record with 36 wins, went 16-2 in Big 12 play, and held the No. 1 AP ranking for nine straight weeks during the season.
  • Arizona and Lloyd agreed to an extension reportedly running through 2031 that would place him among the five highest-paid coaches in men’s college basketball.
  • An active offseason looms with several players projected in 2026 NBA mock drafts and guard Anthony Dell’Orso graduating, while Lloyd has added 4-star signee Cameron Holmes and a commitment from 5-star recruit Caleb Holt.