Arizona Coach Lloyd Wins 2026 Naismith Award, Wildcats Fall
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Indianapolis — Tommy Lloyd led the Arizona Wildcats to a program-record 36-3 season, Big 12 regular-season and tournament championships, and a Final Four berth during the 2025-26 campaign, and he received the Naismith Men’s College Coach of the Year award during Final Four weekend.
The Wildcats were eliminated Saturday in the national semifinals by Michigan, 91-73, ending their run; Lloyd’s award and a recent five-year contract extension follow the season, and Michigan advances to face UConn in Monday’s championship game.
More context
Timeline
- 1. Late 2024: Former ASU player Last-Tear Poa files an NIL lawsuit challenging visa-related restrictions.
- 2. 2025-26 regular season: Arizona opens 23-0 and compiles a program-record 36-3 overall.
- 3. March 2026: Arizona wins Big 12 regular-season and conference tournament titles and earns the No.1 West seed.
- 4. Early April 2026: Arizona reaches the Final Four at Lucas Oil Stadium, then loses to Michigan in the semifinals.
- 5. Final Four weekend 2026: Tommy Lloyd is named Naismith Men's College Coach of the Year at an awards brunch.
Why it matters
This story is a testament to perseverance and hard work. Coach Lloyd's achievements inspire us all, whether we're basketball fans or not. It's a reminder that setbacks, like the Wildcats' semifinal loss, don't define us. Success is about the journey, not just the destination.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
