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kyle bonagura
multiple authors
SAN JOSE, Calif. — amid speculation he could be a candidate for the vacancy North Carolina, Arizona Coach Tommy Lloyd stressed he is focused on his program as the top-seeded Wildcats prepare for Thursday’s Sweet 16 game against the No. 4 seed. arkansas.
“I already have one of the best jobs in the country,” Lloyd said. “And one thing we talk about all the time in our program — and I think I’ve gotten better at it, and I think our team is crushing it this year — is just the ability to have complete focus and be present in the moment.”
However, Lloyd did not deny any interest in the UNC job, which became available Tuesday when Hubert Davis was fired after the Tar Heels’ first-round NCAA Tournament exit.
“I think we have a chance to go game by game in this tournament, but I’m not confused,” Lloyd said. “I know we could lose tomorrow, but this team deserves my full focus. So, there’s nothing that’s going to distract me from my path. I’m 100% focused on Arizona basketball and this program, and I can’t wait to throw the ball tomorrow and then try to find a way to come out on top.”
In his fifth season at Arizona, Lloyd has compiled a 146–35 record with three conference regular-season titles and three conference tournament titles, including time leading the Wildcats in the Pac-12 and Big 12. He was the AP National Coach of the Year in 2022 and the Big 12 Coach of the Year this season.
