Tommy Lloyd

[TheCat]

If Tommy wins tonight he will tie for the most wins by a head coach in there first 3 years. Wish he had the Oregon State game back so it would be his record alone.

[gouacats]

If Tommy wins tonight he will tie for the most wins by a head coach in there first 3 years. Wish he had the Oregon State game back so it would be his record alone.

Get to the Final Four and it will be his all alone.

[Djcat]

I thought Tommy got over the adjustment hump during the Dayton game. When they were killing it with the pick and roll and he pulled Omar and went small.

Not sure why he didn’t call a TO when the players were jacking up 3s when it was double bonus. Set them straight.

Overall I’m super glad he’s our coach. But we have definitely acquired the reputation of underperforming as a top two seeds. The media can’t stop talking about how Cats lost as a top 2 seed three seasons in a row.

Frankly I thought we were over seeded this year. We got the 2 based on early season success against highly ranked opponents. Team faded down the stretch and that should have factored in more.

[pc in NM]

I want to go on the record with a couple of, for me, non-negotiable statements about CTL

• Arizona is lucky to have CTL as our coach - he is an excellent players' coach

• CTL has done well replacing lost players, replacing lost scoring, and building team togetherness

• Over-emphasis upon performance in a single-elimination tournament, and under-appreciation of regular season performance, should NOT be the measure of a college basketball coach.

• IMNSHO, there is absolutely no justification possible, nor should there be any toleration whatsoever, for suggesting anything other than 100% support for CTL as Arizona's head coach.

[TheCat]

I think the basketball public and most fans do not recognize how hard this tournament is. One example is it has been 19 years since Illinois has been in an Elite eight. We'll get there. Only two teams have made it to the sweet 16 more than Arizona in the last 3 years.... Only two.. Houston and the Zags.

[GTownCat]

So was just going down the rabbit hole and crunched numbers on how many seasons it took each coach to get to their first final four (at a P5, the numbers get a little skewed if you start from when they first started coaching D1 ball):

Bob Knight: 2 (Ind)
Calipari: 2 (UK)
Roy: 3 (KU)
Lute (AZ) / Hurley (UConn) / Izzo (MSU): 5
Coach K (Duke) / Dean Smith (UNC): 6
Self (Ill/KU) / Jay Wright (Nova): 8
Boeheim (Cuse): 11
Calhoun (UConn): 13
Wooden (UCLA): 14
Painter (Purdue): 19

Average # of seasons til first final four: ~7.5

Other notes: didn’t add mark few (been at a non P5 obviously: 18 seasons to first final four. Adding him to the mix only moves the average up half a year to just over 8 seasons on average until a coaches first FF.


Yes of course there’s discrepancies with some coaches getting their first FF pre 1985 expansion (Wooden), or their first FF being at a non P5 (Calipari, vacated, and Few), but the point was just to show that CTL has time, only having finished year 3 as a D1 coach of course. Just a little perspective.

[UAEebs86]

^^^ Lute got one at Iowa

[Merkin]

Lute made the F4 in his 6th year at Iowa.

This will go down a deep rabbit hole, but would be interesting to see what kind of situations the coaches came into which most certainly affects the first season.

We are all familiar with Lute. Lute took over a team that was 4-24. Lute went 11-17 his first season with a slow unathletic white point guard with very little offers, then 21-10 the next, and into the NCAA tourney.

Tommy took over a much better team, one that was 17-11 during Miller's last season, who like most coaches, was not fired due to on court performance or moved on to a better position. Tommy's team with 3 NBA players went 33-4.

Just looking at a few others, Bob Knight took over a team that was 17-7.
Calipari took over a 22-14 team.
Roy Williams - 27-11
K - 24-9
Bill Self - 30-8
Calhoun - 12-16

And so on. Just an eyeball test, but those going into programs which were already successful made the F4 quicker.

[pc in NM]

I think the basketball public and most fans do not recognize how hard this tournament is. One example is it has been 19 years since Illinois has been in an Elite eight. We'll get there. Only two teams have made it to the sweet 16 more than Arizona in the last 3 years.... Only two.. Houston and the Zags.

The tournament was originally a "reward" for conference champions and exceptional seasons from non-conference teams. The losers in the Final Four (which wasn't called "The Final Four") played a consolation game (same in Regional finals).

In many years the NIT was a more highly regarded tournament.

A 68-game, single elimination tournament is an entirely different beast - but it is one of the most lucrative sporting events - it's a TV entertainment creation moreso than a sports championship

[Beachcat97]

Tommy's not leaving for Kentucky, right?

[Winger]

Tommy's not leaving for Kentucky, right?

Got mixed messages on that yesterday which is to say that I am clueless on that right now.

[Beachcat97]

Tommy's not leaving for Kentucky, right?

Got mixed messages on that yesterday which is to say that I am clueless on that right now.

I would be astonished by this. With all due respect to Coach Lloyd, he hasn't exactly built the kind of resume (yet) that Kentucky has come to expect in its coaching candidates.

If Lloyd were actually offered the job, I think he's gone, and I also think it's because UK got rejected by multiple others first.

[Djcat]

If the team made F4 then I can see Kentucky being very interested. But without tourney success, and every season losing to a lower seed, can’t see it. That was the key frustration with Calipari.

Plus his post defeat pressers will drive Kentucky fans insane. Aw shucks won’t work for them.

[Beachcat97]

If the team made F4 then I can see Kentucky being very interested. But without tourney success, and every season losing to a lower seed, can’t see it. That was the key frustration with Calipari.

Plus his post defeat pressers will drive Kentucky fans insane. Aw shucks won’t work for them.

All of this.

Tommy’s a little underripe to get consideration for UK or Kansas or UNC.

[Merkin]

I can't even imagine Lloyd is in serious consideration for any blue blood program. Sean Miller too.

Both losing to teams ranked 4 spots or lower multiple times. I get crap for saying this, but it's all about success in the tourney.

Usually when you hear that your coach is in contention for another position it's a ploy to get a raise, but Lloyd just received one, shortly after getting another one earlier.

[Chicat]

As Kentucky may be finding out, the coaching market is a bit thin this year.

Here’s hoping those Wildcats decide on someone else. I don’t want to have Arizona be in a position where we are picking from the few climbers who have their names out there.

[Djcat]

Both losing to teams ranked 4 spots or lower multiple times. I get crap for saying this, but it's all about success in the tourney.

That’s Kentucky boosters and fans frustrations with Cal. Recent lack of tourney success. They think they are entitled to competing yearly for the Nat Championship.

Uconn didn’t even come in 2nd in conference last season. In fact it’s been years since they won their conference till this season.

[VegasCatFan]

Tommy's not leaving for Kentucky, right?

Got mixed messages on that yesterday which is to say that I am clueless on that right now.

Winger, do you know if anyone from Kentucky has even reached out to Tommy at all to gauge his interest? Or is this all message board paranoia?

[Winger]

Tommy's not leaving for Kentucky, right?

Got mixed messages on that yesterday which is to say that I am clueless on that right now.

Winger, do you know if anyone from Kentucky has even reached out to Tommy at all to gauge his interest? Or is this all message board paranoia?

Message board paranoia. I am sure I wouldn't know if anyone reached out to him and I agree with you all that it seems implausible that Kentucky would do so. A friend of mine who spends time with him now and again said yesterday that he'd be shocked if he left. Just got sort of an iffy response from someone at Arizona yesterday when I joked about this is what got me cockeyed.

[Djcat]

Tommy seems like his mentor Few, who likes to stay in one place and build a lasting legacy.

Then again money talks. Didn’t Miller flirted with S. Carolina?

[Merkin]

Tommy seems like his mentor Few, who likes to stay in one place and build a lasting legacy.

Then again money talks. Didn’t Miller flirted with S. Carolina?

And if it wasn't for a messy burger he might still be there!

[Djcat]

What’s the story with the burger?

[Chicat]

What’s the story with the burger?

The AD was eating one while interviewing Miller. And being a total slob about it.

[Djcat]

What’s the story with the burger?

The AD was eating one while interviewing Miller. And being a total slob about it.

Thanks Chi. Glad to see you are still on this board. Crazy to think I’ve “known” a lot of you since 2000s. That’s over 20 years.

Credit to the people who kept this going!

[ZagCatFan]

Tommy's not leaving for Kentucky, right?

Got mixed messages on that yesterday which is to say that I am clueless on that right now.

I would be astonished by this. With all due respect to Coach Lloyd, he hasn't exactly built the kind of resume (yet) that Kentucky has come to expect in its coaching candidates.

If Lloyd were actually offered the job, I think he's gone, and I also think it's because UK got rejected by multiple others first.

Can’t imagine CTL wanting more…..20 years waiting for chance in Spokane and get picked for Arizona job

Think it’s his dream job

[UAEebs86]

What’s the story with the burger?

The AD was eating one while interviewing Miller. And being a total slob about it.

It was Maryland, not South Carolina. SC was RichRod.

[LuteIsGod]

Tommy's not leaving for Kentucky, right?

Got mixed messages on that yesterday which is to say that I am clueless on that right now.

Kentucky wants the best.....and they will pay dearly for it...Josh Pastner!

[Captain Obvious]

Tommy's not leaving for Kentucky, right?

If given the opportunity he has to take it. UK would triple what he's making at Arizona.

[Merkin]

What’s the story with the burger?

The AD was eating one while interviewing Miller. And being a total slob about it.

It was Maryland, not South Carolina. SC was RichRod.

Eebs, our Goazcats and BDW historian!

[AZCatGirl]

[84Cat]

[AZCatGirl]

[AZCatGirl]

[dovecanyoncat]

Everyone knows the Jesuits are into sarsaparilla and Beastie Boys.

[84Cat]

[TheCat]

Just watched the Old Dom press conference. Was really impressed with how Toby handles himself. Just seems like a quality kid who is humble and smart.
The other thing I get from these pressers is just how differently wired Tommy is. He does not seem to mind a challenge or a even a loss if it helps the guys improve. There is no sense of anger or panic when the inevitable loss comes but a sense of this is a good yardstick on what we need to improve on. I'm sure he gets disappointed but you can tell he just loves his guys and what they might accomplish and takes great pride in getting them there. Just a quality guy. The other thing he is doing is opening up transfers eyes when it comes to developing their game and playing a lot. There is no doubt that transfers get to show their skill set in a different way and that will pay big dividends in the future. Just happy we are in a no drama zone for awhile now.

[dovecanyoncat]

Tommy's glass is half full. I admire that these days.

[84Cat]

Named head coach of USA Men’s U19 National Team for 2025

[AZCatGirl]

Congrats on 100 wins, Tommy! Pretty amusing stat:

[Fishclamps]

10th fastest all time to do it as well

[Merkin]

They mentioned Love trying to get 2400 points how many times, and nary a word on this?

[Chicat]

They mentioned Love trying to get 2400 points how many times, and nary a word on this?

They did talk about it. Maybe towards the beginning of the second half? I don’t remember but they mentioned that someone the the color guy played for said Tommy would be one of the best coaches in the game.

[84Cat]

The radio guys talked about it and how he was among the fastest to get to 100. That's why I like listening to Brian Jeffries. He is always prepared

[Winger]

Congrats on 100 wins, Tommy! Pretty amusing stat:

That is amusing. Bet it has already been posted by someone but I bet the quality of the opposition or SOS for those 2 runs to 100 wins are not similar. Point being: Lloyd isn't coaching in the WCC.

[Merkin]

Absolutely an amazing achievement, and something to be very proud of, so well done Tommy!

However, just wanted to add my usual comment that this is not really a fair statistic to other coaches. Both Tommy and Few started with loaded rosters. Few took over for Dan Monson, who had just made the Elite 8 with Gonzaga. Tommy had 3 NBA players on his team.

Other coaches, such as Lute and Sean Miller, came into disastrous situations.

[azcat49]

Anyone else think Tommy has been much more intense the last three games. Started when he called out the team before the Baylor game and at Tech he was pissed late when he threw a rocket ball to one of the refs after one of our turnovers. Last night he was chewing butt all night on those refs and barking at the guys on the floor

[JMarkJohns]

So, for a first time in a long time post, in general, I get any pushback.

I’ll begin by saying what this post isn’t: it is not me demanding Lloyd be on hot seat. I can see and appreciate the small changes (but big for Lloyd) that he’s made to radically change the fortunes of the season and improve the upside of the roster. I’ll argue some it it was forced on him with Krivas injury, and I’ll argue some of it is still slow-played as I’d like to see more from Carter right now, but needed to see more from him earlier and early in Big12 play so he could be more settled now.

What I will say is Tommy has a BIG recruiting problem for several reasons.

1. He’s better with transfers but Transfers will dry up after all the Covid Seniors are done. Redshirts aren’t a thing, so he’s going to need to be super aggressive early or he will not get the level of Pelle or Ballo or Awaka and especially Bradley or Love types of multi-year transfers.

2. His “special” offers and isolated recruitment of just a handful of prospects per class has him too limited in a time players have too much leverage. We have see Lloyd get bullied by NIL for years now. Kaluma, KJ Evans, Will Riley and this season with Tounde prior to Baylor commit, and now having time used to leverage more NIL/guarantees from Arizona/Tommy because Koa and Burries are his only plays left.

3. He does not offer early enough to create special relationships and does not eval, recruit, offer enough to have options. He needs 20+ offers per class. He needs them by start of junior year. In 2025 he had like 8 real offers, 3 of which used Arizona offer to leverage NIL elsewhere (Tounde, Khemena, Mikal Brown), and the backups all decided early”. Right now he has 4 total offers for 2026 and 2027 with just one commit in 2025.

4. Thus far he has not recruited to scheme and needs as much as you’d think. His greatest success came with Miller recruits. He’s mimic’d Mathurin with Love, but he’s not come close to finding Terry or Koloko in 3 classes. Not even in Transfer. He hasn’t prioritized shooting enough. And his International have been largely mismatches as his system needs athletic versatile bigs like Henri, not plodders like Krivas, and doesn’t need high usage ball stoppers like Bal or Pauli, although I think Pauli had a place on this team in place of Townsend.

5. Winger once said the Euro recruits would impact Prep Recruiting. But Tommy has not over-recruited Europe over Domestic Preps in 2 cycles. But something is slow playing how domestic preps and coaches and handlers use Tommy and Arizona and view Tommy and Arizona. Hopefully Carter Bryant developing and getting drafted helps remedy this. Hopefully he helps land a Burries and a Koa Peat.

But right now Tommy isn’t getting the top-transfers in a transfer market getting tighter on talent and inflated in need/price, and he’s not landing the isolated special preps he “focuses” on in the numbers or the timing needed to make smart roster decisions.

There’s a chance Koa doesn’t decide until the Portal. So, he won’t know the following:
1. If he has Carter due to NBA testing
2. If he has Koa due to him waiting to see Carter and if portal woes open new NIL options.
3. If he needs to recruit the portal for a starting caliber PF because of Koa.

In my opinion Tommy needs to do the following:

1. Have 20+ offers out by start of junior year. Smarter evals of skill, fit, patience, etc. Recruit ranks 40-85 hard. Offer 5 or so in the 85-120 range for long term development hoping one sticks. We are wasting scholarships on walk-ons. And offer 6-10 in the 1-40 range and do it early, but sophomore year (unlike Cody Williams).

2. Use Europe intermittently for wing-forward/center types with athleticism. That’s it. The Henri Philosophy.

3. Use portal to recruit one traditional transfer sophomore or junior every year.

But domestic prep recruiting has to become more of a focus. Recruit wing athletes with motors, recruit physical point of attack guards, recruit a mix of bruisers and athlete up front. Make sure some are facilitators, make sure some are shooters.

This team is almost fortunate to be this good. Roster is a mess. The Krivas injury simplified things and allowed for Henri to be used more alongside Trey and Carter uses more at PF alongside Awaka, or both Carter and Henri used together. How Krivas fits back in is beyond me. He’s a lesser Ballo with worse hands and worse perimeter quickness.

Stephen is a project but is the Brute type I know we need and Tommy must sell him on the Awaka role but with Athleticism and height.

But wing shooting and facilitation is iffy even with Burries and bad without even if Bradley returns.

Hope this doesn’t feel too bleak. Probably what happens when I take 2 years worth of my critiques and make one post out of it.

But Arizona should not be struggling this badly with domestic recruiting. We have enough of a NIL and success to be at the top of 30 players options, but the Tommy squeeze has us choking a bit too often.

That said, and here’s the hope, if Tommy can have a team like this year competing this hard with this many obvious flaws, imagine what he can do when recruiting catches up to his development and scheme?

He’s a keeper. But he needs to learn, adapt, grow, and do it faster than small steps in half a decade.

[Winger]

I am sure you know this JMJ but my understanding is that, when it comes to US high school recruiting, Lloyd is mostly continuing his Gonzaga strategy. Meaning: he identifies a select several prep recruits he wants and he prioritizes them, even if that means “offering” some of those dudes late due to evaluation-based reasons.

No blanket offer list.

For the most part that worked at Gonzaga but obviously there is no Mark Few in Tucson and we have the free-transfer and NIL era mucking up things as well.

Based on wins and losses, with this season a bit of a TBD, its hard for me to be too critical.

But, and this is a big but, his best players by and large have been Miller’s, his European recruiting has been a failure on an overall basis (culminating with the shark jumping hostel room for Martinez), and this squad is a mess roster-construction-wise.

It’s funny for me to now see those who preened their “racist” tropes all over me when it came to my critique of Euro recruiting early on (in fact even before Lloyd had boots on the ground) now reversing. But, yes it does effect domestic recruiting (especially when Lloyd inks Euros “out of nowhere” very late in the recruiting season) and it is true that college basketball isn’t and hasn’t been built on the back of a majority European lineup (especially in the B12 which they are particularly ill-suited for).

Worse, Lloyd to date seems to have recruited all the Euros who can’t shoot!

I believe last off season was either 1) the best Tommy Lloyd could manage at Arizona or 2) the best he could afford or 3) difficulties stemming from adapting the roster for play in the B12. Or, maybe, a little of all 3.

But there is no denying that to date his domestic prep recruiting has been lousy, his transfers hit and miss, and the makeup of this roster in particular disjointed.

But if Arizona finishes the season out strong (starting today hopefully!) for me things will remain in the “based on W-L it’s a pass”. But at some point in the near term future he is going to need a couple Final Fours to cement things. And that is going to be almost entirely based on his recruiting because his coaching chops are unassailable (as I hear it from the coaching world).

[JMarkJohns]

For me process is more important than destination. Lloyd overachieving when it doesn’t matter and underachieving when it does is a direct result of the talent entering the program. He’s done well with transfers, but even those have not been “top” transfers, outside of Love.

I have zero issue calling space a spade, and the recruiting and talent coming in to Tucson is a problem and much of it is because of the strategy that, four years in, he has not fixed for years five and six.