INDIANAPOLIS — While North Carolina searches for a new head basketball coach, Arizona’s Tommy Lloyd finds himself mentioned as a potential candidate for the Tar Heels position.
With the Wildcats preparing for Final Four action at Lucas Oil Stadium, Lloyd addressed questions about whether he might leave Arizona for another opportunity.
“Listen, I’ve got my full focus on this team. Nothing is distracting me. That’s just how I’ve decided to approach it. I’m excited. I thought we had a really good practice today. I’m excited to play and for our practice tomorrow,” Lloyd stated on Thursday. “I’m a simple guy. I am kind of just one thing at a time. I’m not a multitasker. You can ask my wife. I’m 100 percent locked in on Arizona basketball right now, and I’m excited to see what this team can do.”
Lloyd emphasized his dedication to his current players, saying, “I have a real strong belief in this team, and this team deserves my full attention, so that’s what I’m giving them.”
This isn’t the first time Lloyd has been connected to major coaching vacancies. He was mentioned for the Villanova position last spring but remained committed to Arizona. After North Carolina dismissed Hubert Davis last month, both Lloyd and Michigan’s Dusty May have emerged as top candidates for the Tar Heels job.
May, who is also coaching in the Final Four for his second appearance in four seasons, rejected the idea that North Carolina represents a “dream job” for basketball coaches. He explained that his actual dream position was coaching high school basketball in Indiana, and he has already surpassed his career expectations.
May expressed satisfaction with his current situation at Michigan, noting this week that he’s content with the Wolverines.
After leading Florida Atlantic to the Final Four in 2023, May anticipated Michigan’s tournament success as early as November.
“To be honest, it felt a lot different than it did at FAU. This felt like something our guys expected, and even our fan base, it felt like they expected it a little bit, as well, and so did I because of the guys we have wearing a Michigan jersey,” May explained. “All along, it’s just kind of felt like mission has not been accomplished yet.”
