TUCSON, Ariz. – Arizona men's basketball head coach Tommy Lloyd will be one of four local men to be honored as Father of the Year by the Father's Day Council Tucson this Saturday, May 31 Loews Ventana Canyon. Lloyd will be recognized alongside Dr. Eric Cornidez, Jim Tofel and Kaukaha "K" Watanabe.
 
Lloyd recently completed his fourth season as the head coach at Arizona, racking up 112 wins in that span, which ranks second in NCAA history. He has led the Wildcats to three appearances in the Sweet 16 and four conference championships.
 
Before arriving in Tucson, the Lloyd's spent 22 years in Spokane, Washington while he was a coach on the staff at Gonzaga. Their children – Liam, Maria and Sophia – all grew up in Spokane and have fond memories spending time on the basketball court with their dad but also just being normal kids.
 
In a profile story written by Steve Rivera for BIZTUCSON, Maria said: "My dad always wanted us around and involved with his work, so we got a childhood not many get to experience. From being water girls, to our tag games, to going to all of the tournaments growing up … Gonzaga was a major part of my life. No matter how busy my father gets, he always finds a way to make us feel loved, involved and appreciated."
 
Prior to the 2024-25 basketball season, Lloyd's son, Liam, transferred to U of A to play his final year of college basketball with the Wildcats. Throughout the year, Tommy commented how it was great to have his son and his then-fiancée Hallie and their son, Luka, right around the corner. Lloyd quickly discovered that being a grandpa is something that he enjoys, and he could be found holding Luka during commercia breaks at his weekly radio show or even after games.
 
"My dad has always been someone who has been a role model in my life," Liam said, "always treating people to the highest standard and going out of his way to help others. My dad inspires me every day to be a better person. He's a good coach, but I would say he's a better dad."
 
There is a tradition of Arizona men's basketball head coaches being recognized by the Father's Day Council Tucson, with Lute Olson also receiving the honor at the inaugural gala in 1995. Proceed from the event will be donated to the U of A College of Medicine's Steele Children's Research Center Angel Wing Clinic. To donate or bid on auction items, visit fdctucson.com.
 
"Of course, I'm honored," Tommy said. "I've been to the event before and I've heard the names of the past winners, and it's the 'Who's Who' of the Tucson community. I'm not a big hobby guy. I play pickleball, go to basketball games and hang out with my family, so it's pretty cool."