Arizona Wildcats Reach Fifth Final Four Under New Coach Tommy Lloyd

Lute Olson's daughter Jodi Brase says the legendary coach would be 'so proud' of the current team's success.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 11:23am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Arizona Wildcats have reached their fifth Final Four, the first under new head coach Tommy Lloyd. Lute Olson, the Hall of Fame coach who led the Wildcats to four Final Fours, would be thrilled with the team's performance, according to his daughter Jodi Brase. Brase says Lloyd has a similar coaching style to her father, giving players freedom while still holding them accountable. While Olson isn't alive to see the current team's run, Brase believes he would be 'over the moon' about their success.

Why it matters

Arizona basketball has a storied history, with Lute Olson building the program into a national powerhouse during his 24-year tenure as head coach. The Wildcats' continued success under a new coach in Tommy Lloyd shows the enduring strength of the program's foundation and Olson's lasting impact.

The details

In his first season as Arizona's head coach, Tommy Lloyd has led the Wildcats to their fifth Final Four appearance. This matches the number of Final Fours achieved by legendary coach Lute Olson, who guided the team to four national semifinal appearances during his Hall of Fame career from 1983 to 2007. Olson's daughter, Jodi Brase, believes her father would be thrilled with the current team's performance, saying 'Oh my gosh, he'd be so proud of these Cats.' Brase notes that Lloyd's coaching style is similar to Olson's, giving players freedom while still holding them accountable.

  • Arizona reached its fifth Final Four on March 31, 2026.
  • Lute Olson led the Wildcats to four Final Fours during his 24-year tenure as head coach from 1983 to 2007.

The players

Tommy Lloyd

The current head coach of the Arizona Wildcats, in his first season leading the program after previously serving as an assistant coach at Gonzaga.

Lute Olson

The Hall of Fame former head coach of the Arizona Wildcats, who led the team to four Final Four appearances during his 24-year tenure from 1983 to 2007.

Jodi Brase

The oldest daughter of Lute Olson, who attended Arizona's last Final Four appearance in 2001 when the Wildcats faced Duke in the championship game.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Oh my gosh, he'd be so proud of these Cats. He would think how talented they are and how well-coached they are. He'd be over the moon.”

— Jodi Brase, Lute Olson's Daughter

“He's so down to earth and lowkey. He's very good about asking how you are and asking questions – it's not just about him.”

— Jodi Brase, Lute Olson's Daughter

What’s next

Arizona will face Michigan in the Final Four on Saturday, April 5, 2026, with the winner advancing to the national championship game.

The takeaway

The continued success of the Arizona Wildcats basketball program under a new coach like Tommy Lloyd is a testament to the strong foundation built by legendary coach Lute Olson. Olson's lasting impact on the program is evident in the team's current run to the Final Four, which would make the Hall of Fame coach immensely proud.