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Tommy Lloyd, head coach — SAN JOSE, CALIF. -- Men’s baskeball practices before the team’s Sweet Sixteen Regional Semifinal game against Arkansas in the 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. March 25, 2026. Photo by Mike Christy / Arizona Athletics
Mike Christy / Arizona Athletics

Men's Basketball

Tommy Lloyd Named Finalist for Naismith Coach of the Year

ATLANTA – The Atlanta Tipoff Club announced on Friday the four finalists for the Werner Ladder Naismith Coach of the Year award and the list includes Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd for the second time in five seasons as head coach.
 
Lloyd has led Arizona to 35-2 record this season, tying the school record for win in a season, as the Wildcats take on Purdue in the Elite Eight on Saturday looking for the program's first Final Four bid since 2001.
 
The 2026 Sporting News National Coach of the Year and 2026 Big 12 Coach of the Year, Lloyd and the Wildcats got off to a 23-0 start to the season – also a school record – and went on the capture the Big 12 regular season and Big 12 Tournament championships.
 
The Wildcats have been ranked in the Top 5 of the Associated Press poll every week during the regular season and are 12-2 against Top 25 opponents this season. Statistically, Arizona has been dominant at both ends of the court, ranking in the top five in the country in offensive efficiency and defensive efficiency according to KenPom.
 
The other finalists for the award are Fred Hoiberg (Nebraska), Dusty May (Michigan) and Jon Scheyer (Duke).
 
The winner of the award will be announced Sunday, April 5 at the Naismith Awards Brunch presented by Jersey Mike's during the Men's Final Four at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in Indianapolis.
 
The four finalists in each category were chosen by the Atlanta Tipoff Club's national voting academy, composed of leading journalists from around the country, current and former head coaches, former award winners, and conference commissioners, all of whom based their selections on outstanding on-court performances during the 2025-26 college basketball season.
 
Once again this year, fans will have a say in determining the winner through the Naismith Awards Fan Vote presented by Jersey Mike's. Starting March 27, fans can visit www.naismithfanvote.com to cast their ballot for one of the finalists for the Jersey Mike's Naismith Trophy and the Werner Ladder Naismith Coach of the Year. Voting ends at 12 p.m. EDT on April 1, and fans are limited to one vote per day. The fan vote will account for 5% of the total vote.
 
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