Arizona's Tommy Lloyd Celebrates Final Four Run with Lifelong Beastie Boys Fandom

Coach Lloyd's passion for the iconic hip-hop group has been the soundtrack to his journey, culminating in a special Final Four party with DJ Mix Master Mike.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:23pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in shades of navy blue, red, silver, maize, and blue, conceptually representing the intensity and dynamism of a college basketball game.A cubist interpretation of the high-stakes Final Four matchup between Arizona and Michigan, capturing the raw energy and competitive spirit of the game through a fragmented, geometric lens.Kelso Today

Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd has built one of the most successful starts to a college coaching career, leading the Wildcats to the Final Four. But Lloyd's journey has been defined by his lifelong love of the Beastie Boys, a passion he's shared with friends, family, and even famous DJ Mix Master Mike, who joined Lloyd for a special pre-Final Four celebration in Indianapolis.

Why it matters

Lloyd's deep connection to the Beastie Boys has shaped his personality and approach, helping him create a unique, player-first culture at Arizona that has fueled the program's rapid rise. The coach's ability to balance intense preparation with a fun-loving spirit has resonated with his players and the community.

The details

Ahead of Arizona's Final Four matchup, Lloyd hosted a party in the basement of a local bar, where he was joined by Mix Master Mike, who provided an hour-long DJ set. Lloyd even hopped on the turntables himself, showcasing his lifelong fandom for the Beastie Boys, a group he's seen perform numerous times dating back to his high school days in Washington. The celebration brought together Lloyd's closest friends, family, and fellow coaches, all united by their shared love of basketball and music.

  • In the late 1980s, a teenage Lloyd would listen to the Beastie Boys' debut album 'Licensed to Ill' while shooting hoops in his driveway in Kelso, Washington.
  • Lloyd first saw the Beastie Boys perform live on August 9, 1992, at the Salem Armory in Salem, Oregon.
  • In 1996, Lloyd paid his own way to see the Beastie Boys perform at the Tibetan Freedom Concert in San Francisco, even sleeping on the streets for two days to attend the show.
  • On September 1, 1994, Lloyd had a transformative experience watching the Beastie Boys perform at the Gorge Amphitheater in Washington, an event he calls 'a drug' that cemented his lifelong fandom.

The players

Tommy Lloyd

The head coach of the Arizona Wildcats, who has built one of the most successful starts to a college coaching career, leading the team to the Final Four. Lloyd's passion for the Beastie Boys has been a defining part of his life and coaching journey.

Mix Master Mike

A renowned DJ and three-time DMC World DJ champion, who has collaborated extensively with the Beastie Boys. Mix Master Mike is a close friend of Lloyd's and joined him for a special pre-Final Four celebration in Indianapolis.

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What they’re saying

“Some things that you feel like are the soundtrack of your life, and they've been there for all your memories. They have for me.”

— Tommy Lloyd, Head Coach, Arizona Wildcats

“The love for music and the love for winning, it's embedded in us, and we just love this shit. I cherish that we're together and that we can inspire each other.”

— Mix Master Mike, DJ

What’s next

If Arizona wins its Final Four matchup, Mix Master Mike plans to hop on a plane and head back to Indianapolis to attend the national championship game on Monday.

The takeaway

Tommy Lloyd's lifelong passion for the Beastie Boys has not only shaped his personality and approach as a coach, but has also led to a unique friendship with legendary DJ Mix Master Mike. This special connection has helped Lloyd build a player-first culture at Arizona that has fueled the program's rapid rise to the Final Four.