Michigan and Arizona Linked in Final Four Matchup

Storied programs face off in NCAA tournament semifinals

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:15pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the action of a college basketball game, with the players and court fragmented into overlapping planes of vibrant blue, maize, red, and navy blue colors.The storied basketball programs of Michigan and Arizona face off in a high-stakes NCAA tournament semifinal, with deep ties between the coaching staffs adding intrigue to the matchup.Indianapolis Today

The upcoming Final Four matchup between the University of Michigan and the University of Arizona men's basketball teams features numerous connections between the two storied programs. Both teams have rich histories and are led by respected coaches who have deep ties to each other's programs.

Why it matters

This high-profile NCAA tournament semifinal game will showcase the strength of both programs and the close relationships between their key figures. The outcome could have major implications for the future of both teams and their coaches.

The details

Michigan and Arizona have met in the NCAA tournament before, most notably in the 1988 Final Four. Current Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd previously served as an assistant under Michigan head coach Juwan Howard when Howard was an assistant with the NBA's Miami Heat. The two coaches have a strong mutual respect and friendship that dates back years.

  • The Final Four matchup between Michigan and Arizona will take place on Saturday, April 5, 2026 in Indianapolis.
  • Michigan and Arizona last met in the NCAA tournament in the 1988 Final Four.

The players

Tommy Lloyd

The head coach of the University of Arizona men's basketball team, who previously served as an assistant coach under Juwan Howard when Howard was an assistant in the NBA.

Juwan Howard

The head coach of the University of Michigan men's basketball team, who previously worked with Tommy Lloyd as an assistant coach in the NBA.

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What they’re saying

“Tommy Lloyd is a great person, I think he's a really good coach,”

— Juwan Howard, Head Coach, University of Michigan

What’s next

The winner of the Michigan-Arizona semifinal game will advance to the NCAA championship game on Monday, April 7, 2026.

The takeaway

This Final Four matchup between two of college basketball's most successful programs will showcase the deep connections between their coaching staffs and the ongoing rivalry between the two schools. Fans can expect an intense, high-stakes game with major implications for the future of both programs.