The Arizona Wildcats are set to take on the Michigan Wolverines in the NCAA Tournament’s Final Four. A ticket to the National Championship Game is on the line, and that’s all head coach Tommy Lloyd cares about. That was made clear as the coach answered a question on the buzz around the coaching opening at the University of North Carolina.
“I’ve got my full focus on this team. Nothing is distracting me,” Lloyd answered, as reported by @TheFieldOf68 on X. “This team deserves my full attention, so that’s what I’m giving them.”
The Tar Heels parted ways with Hubert Davis after a wobbly season that ended in a first-round exit from the NCAA Tournament at the hands of No. 11 seed VCU. As one of college basketball’s most storied programs, North Carolina’s opening is highly appealing to coaches across the country.
However, Lloyd’s commitment to Arizona isn’t wavering—at least not while the Wildcats remain in the hunt for a national championship. As it stands, Lloyd and Arizona are two wins away from cutting down the nets at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Tommy Lloyd cuts down the nets after winning Regional Tournament
Has Arizona ever won an NCAA Tournament?
The Arizona Wildcats went all the way and were crowned national champions in 1997 under head coach Lute Olson. Now, they are enjoying their greatest success in years under fifth-year coach Tommy Lloyd.
Arizona hadn’t reached the Final Four of the NCAA Men’s Tournament since 2001. Moreover, this marks just the fifth time in program history that the Wildcats are among the last four teams standing in March Madness.
Arizona’s record in Final Four all-time
Arizona has made the Final Four on four separate occasions prior to the 2026 NCAA Tournament. The Wildcats have experienced it all, getting a taste of success—as well as heartbreak and defeat. Here’s how Arizona fared each time it reached the Final Four:
- 1988: Eliminated in Final Four
- 1994: Eliminated in Final Four
- 1997: Won National Championship
- 2001: Lost in National Championship
- 2026: TBD
