Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd's steady leadership rubs off on Wildcats

Lloyd's calm demeanor and willingness to learn has created a culture of poise and chemistry on the team.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 4:49am

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Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd has instilled a steady, poised, and solution-oriented approach that has rubbed off on his Wildcats team. Players like Jaden Bradley and Brayden Burries have benefited from Lloyd's calm leadership style, which has helped the team remain composed in tough situations and play with a selfless, connected style on both ends of the floor.

Why it matters

Lloyd's leadership has been a key factor in Arizona's success this season, as the team has emerged as one of the favorites to win the NCAA title. His ability to create a positive team culture and get the best out of his players has been crucial to the Wildcats' strong performance.

The details

Lloyd's approach is marked by his even-keeled demeanor, enthusiasm for challenges, and willingness to learn and improve as a coach. He believes that if he wants his team to play with poise, he must first exhibit that quality himself. This mindset has translated to the players, who have embraced a selfless, connected style of play on both offense and defense.

  • The 2026-27 NCAA basketball season is currently underway.

The players

Tommy Lloyd

The head coach of the Arizona Wildcats men's basketball team, known for his steady leadership, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn and improve.

Jaden Bradley

The senior leader of the Arizona Wildcats, who has benefited from Lloyd's calm and poised approach, serving as a stabilizing force for the team.

Brayden Burries

A player on the Arizona Wildcats team who appreciates Lloyd's ability to get the best out of him while also holding him accountable and keeping him grounded.

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What they’re saying

“He's even keel and doesn't get too high or too low. He handles situations as they come along and he's always prepared.”

— Jack Murphy, Arizona's associate head coach

“When you watch them play, you can see how connected they are on defense. And you can see how selfless they are on offense.”

— Matt Muehlebach, Former UA guard and basketball analyst

“If I want my team to play with poise then I've gotta have poise. If I want my team to be solution oriented, I have to be willing to find solutions with an open mind.”

— Tommy Lloyd, Arizona head coach

“He's an amazing person on and off the court. He's very genuine and when you play for him you get an open court feel.”

— Jaden Bradley, Arizona senior leader

“He gets the best out of you. The thing I liked about him – when he recruited me – everything he said was true. That he wasn't going to sugar coat anything and he was going to give me the opportunity to make plays and that I could potentially start but that I'd have to work for it and earn it.”

— Brayden Burries, Arizona player

What’s next

The Arizona Wildcats will continue their quest for an NCAA title as the tournament approaches.

The takeaway

Tommy Lloyd's steady leadership and willingness to learn have created a culture of poise, chemistry, and selflessness within the Arizona Wildcats, making them one of the favorites to win the NCAA championship this season.