Arizona Wildcats Return to Final Four After 25-Year Drought

The 2001 team's alumni see echoes of their success in this year's squad.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:06pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the action of a college basketball game, with sharp planes of red and navy blue representing the energy and intensity of the Arizona Wildcats' return to the Final Four.The Arizona Wildcats' return to the Final Four after a quarter-century drought evokes the program's storied past and its aspirations for the future.Tucson Today

After a 25-year drought, the Arizona Wildcats have returned to the Final Four for the first time since 2001. The current team shares many similarities with that 2001 squad, which was the last Final Four team for the storied program. Former players and coaches see the same unselfish, defensive-minded approach that powered the 2001 team's run.

Why it matters

Arizona has been one of the most successful college basketball programs of the 21st century, but had been unable to reach the Final Four since their last appearance in 2001. This year's team breaking through that drought is a major milestone for the Wildcats and the West Coast, as the region seeks its first national champion since 1997.

The details

The 2001 Arizona team that made the Final Four was stacked, with future NBA players like Richard Jefferson, Gilbert Arenas, and Jason Gardner. Current Wildcats coach Tommy Lloyd has made an effort to connect this year's team with that legacy, inviting the 2001 alumni to practice and observe the team. The similarities are striking - both teams emphasize defense, have balanced scoring, and avoid hero ball.

  • Arizona last reached the Final Four in 2001.
  • In February 2026, the 2001 team returned to Tucson to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their Final Four run.
  • This year's Wildcats team punched their ticket to the 2026 Final Four by defeating Purdue in the Elite Eight on April 1.

The players

Rodney Tention

A former Arizona assistant coach who was part of the 2001 Final Four team.

Tommy Lloyd

The current head coach of the Arizona Wildcats, who has worked to connect the program's current players with its storied past.

Richard Jefferson

A starter on the 2001 Arizona team that made the Final Four.

Jason Gardner

A sophomore guard on the 2001 Arizona team who is now the director of player relations for the Wildcats.

Jim Rosborough

Lute Olson's right-hand man who spent 27 seasons with him, including 18 at Arizona.

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What they’re saying

“It's really pretty gratifying, to be honest. (Lloyd's) been one to recognize what went on before him, that he's not the inventor of the wheel, but he's kind of kept the wheel turning.”

— Jim Rosborough, Former Arizona assistant coach

“It's not like where it feels like we're back on the mountaintop. It just feels like we have performed up to our standard in the biggest moment. Arizona is not one of those schools that's like, 'Hey, we made it to the Final Four. We're lucky. We're happy.' No, we're one of those schools that say, 'Hey, we're proud of you, we're proud of ourselves, we're proud of what you guys have done. Now go finish the job.'”

— Richard Jefferson, Former Arizona player

What’s next

The Wildcats will face the winner of the other Final Four matchup in the national championship game on April 7.

The takeaway

Arizona's return to the Final Four after a 25-year drought is a major milestone for the storied program, which has produced numerous NBA stars but struggled to reach college basketball's biggest stage in recent decades. This year's team has drawn comparisons to the 2001 squad, raising hopes that they can finish the job and bring home the school's second national title.