Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd spoke highly of Arizona’s strong program on Saturday night as he got his team – their team – back to the Final Four. It’s been a long time.
Now, they return their praise for Lloyd & Company.
“The Wildcat legacy continues with these young legends of Arizona basketball,” Joe Turner texted me. “The Wildcat Brothers love it.”
Love it and are re-living it. Saturday night was special in seeing Arizona advance to its fifth Final Four in school history.
“Tommy Lloyd and this team has captured the heart of the Wildcat Nation and Tucson!” Matt Muehlebach said. “This is not the first time, but has the feel of the first time.
“This team has earned and deserved this, and Wildcat Nation deserves it, too.”
“This Arizona squad is special,” said Matt Othick, who was in San Jose for the games. “They are one of the best teams in school history. Their ability to physically wear teams out goes unmatched. They have incredible balance and can beat you in so many different ways. Tommy has put our program back on top. Wildcat nation is lucky to have such an awesome coach who celebrates our great history.”
That too has been impressive. Through his five years at Arizona past has embraced its future. Pete Williams and others have kept in contact with Lloyd regularly.
“I gotta be honest … I came so close to shedding some tears of joy,” said former UA player Pete Williams in a message to me: “This team has been so special, and so dominant all year … I stayed calm throughout the first half, knowing full well the way they usually respond in the second half. It’s just a beautiful thing man, and for Coach Lloyd to construct this team the way he has is just genius! He restored my pride in Arizona Basketball the day he called me, prior to his initial press conference at Arizona … I told him then, “It feels good to feel good about Arizona Basketball again!” Look at us now!”
Yes, look at them now, the near odds-on favorite to win the title, which would be its second if it happens. Arizona fans – and its former players – want to party like it’s 1997.
“It’s a really good team,” said Mike Bibby, in a text and one of the key members of the 1997 Cats. “Everyone compliments each other. And they are coached well.”
Sound familiar? It’s much like how Lute Olson guided UA to four Final Fours in his 25 years at Arizona. Lloyd honored the past, while acknowledged the present.
And the present looks really good.
“It’s an amazing team,” said Steve Kerr, who helped guide UA to its first Final Four in 1988. “So disciplined. So tough minded. I love watching them play.”
As does his former teammate Sean Elliott, who watched it from New York.
“It’s a gritty, tough team,” Elliott said in a telephone conversation. “They are so well coached. Tommy Lloyd has done a beyond exceptional job with this team. This team plays with so much poise.”
He talked about last night’s rally from a halftime deficit only to run away with the game.
“That’s a special ballclub right there,” he said.
This team has reminded some of the 1988 team where they enjoyed winning and beating team by big margins. Elliott saw a similarity.
“They have athleticism, smarts and can score in a variety of ways,” he said. “I love that they are not 3-ball dependent. It’s an inside-out game and they continue to pound people inside. They do everything well.”
That’s the consensus from the former Cats.
“My self and my family couldn’t be more proud,” said Channing Frye in a text. “What Tommy has done for UofA basketball is unreal. Not only recruiting AZ homegrown talent but developing a sense of pride in the game play and in the players that come through the program showcasing grit, teamwork and passion that has captured the world! #BTFD”
BTFD indeed.
“I’m so proud of this team,” said Corey Williams, a starter on the 1994 Final Four team. “They are competing in a totally different era of college athletics but they play with the same passion and intensity of other great Wildcat teams. To see the joy they have brought to our community and fans is indescribable. We love Arizona basketball and I’m grateful the program is in good hands.”
As a college basketball analyst, Williams added: “To see this team and coaching staff deliver on the extremely high expectations of the fans and media is simply amazing. The toughest non-conference schedule in the nation, playing in the toughest conference in nation and Arizona dominated all of it, conference tourney included. Then to take the #1 seed and defend it for four straight games. I don’t think that can be fully appreciated at the moment. It will be YEARS before people understand how difficult a season like this is to accomplish.”
“I’m so happy for the city of Tucson and all the loyal fans we have had over the years,” said Jud Buechler. “But, I am most happy for Tommy, his staff and our players. These are memories they will never forget.”
Added Luke Walton: “This team and staff have done an amazing job . They play a beautiful brand of basketball that makes all of us old wildcats proud . Good luck and let’s finish the job . Bear down.”Now, the next challenge of winning it all.
“As a player on the greatest team for the University of Arizona, ever,” Bennett Davison said, “I’d love to see a team outdo us. We’ll see if this team accepts the challenge.”
It has what it takes.
“This team is balanced and talented,” Craig McMillan said. “I think they have a chance.”
Added Harvey Mason: “I’m so excited for and extremely proud of the players, the coaching staff, and the entire Wildcat family! Reaching the Final Four is a massive accomplishment and will be something that will impact all involved for the rest of their lives, I know it has impacted mine.”
Said Damon Stoudamire: “Complete Team. Offensively they share the ball. Dominate the paint. Draw fouls. Make timely 3’s. Defensively they’re long. Protect the paint. Limit you to 1 shot. Elite leadership on the floor and the sideline.”
And finally, Reggie Geary, who started on the 1994 Final Four team: “I couldn’t be more thrilled for this team, university, and incredible community to get back to the Final Four. Coach Lloyd has cultivated championship culture from the very beginning of his tenure, and he is undoubtedly one of the finest coaches in the nation. He has recruited highly skilled and even more excellent, character-driven young men to wear the Wildcat uniform, which has us on the brink of a National Championship. Bear Down!
Recommended for you
