By R.L. Bynum
One of North Carolina’s likely top candidates in its search for a men’s basketball coach is still playing, but, at the very least, mentioned that his school will one day have another coach.
After No. 1 seed Arizona rolled to a 79–64 victory over Purdue on Saturday in the West Regional in San Jose, Calif., advancing to the Final Four, Coach Tommy Lloyd was asked about the significance of the victory for the program.
The end of his answer may not be significant. Or it could tell you that he was preparing Arizona fans for his departure.
“Arizona is going to have another good coach after me,” Lloyd said.
Here is the full question and his full answer.
Q. How significant with as much success as Arizona has had over the years to get to the Final Four? How significant is that? A related question: how much do you stay connected to central figures of the past, whether it’s Steve Kerr or players from the championship team, that kind of stuff?
“A ton. I love those guys, and they have given me a better life because they helped build this program to what it is now. The legacy is so strong. Those guys have been so cool and so welcoming to me.
“You know, the sun may be shining on this team and me coaching it right now, but when it’s shining on you, you got to fight like hell to protect it and build it.
“So, that’s what I feel like my number one responsibility is, to fight to protect the program and fight to build it for those who came before me and for those that are going to follow after me, because you know what, Arizona is going to have another good coach after me. I promise you. The place is special.”
Arizona is in the Final Four for the first time since 2001 and the fourth time in program history.
Lloyd is thought to be one of UNC’s prime targets in its coaching search, but the Tar Heels can’t make a run at him until after the Final Four. The No. 2 Wildcats (36–2) will play either No. 3 Michigan or No. 23 Tennessee in a national semifinal on Saturday in Indianapolis.
To get Lloyd, Carolina would have to pay his $11-million buyout if he leaves before April 15. Lloyd is signed through the 2029–30 season, earning roughly $4.4 million annually plus $700,000 in supplemental-duties compensation.
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