In the ever-evolving landscape of college athletics, where the transfer portal and NIL deals dominate discussions, building a cohesive team is no small feat. Yet, Arizona's men's basketball coach, Tommy Lloyd, has managed to do just that. As the Wildcats gear up for their NCAA Tournament clash against No. 9 seed Utah State, they bring with them a sense of unity that’s hard to miss.
The Wildcats have a mix of seasoned players and fresh talent. Seniors like Jaden Bradley, Tobe Awaka, and Anthony Dell’Orso provide experience, while the starting lineup features promising freshmen Brayden Burries, Ivan Kharchenkov, and Koa Peat. Lloyd’s roster is also enriched by international talent, with eight players hailing from overseas, four of whom play pivotal roles.
Ivan Kharchenkov, both a freshman and an international recruit, speaks to the camaraderie forged through basketball. “We all do one thing that binds us together, and that’s playing basketball,” he shares. “The game respects game.”
Talent alone doesn’t create a team; it takes a coach’s touch to mold one. After a significant win against Arizona State, Lloyd reflected on a team trip to Casa Grande that highlighted their growth.
“We work hard on our culture,” Lloyd explains. “It’s about getting people on the same page and caring for each other.”
This strong culture has propelled Arizona to a stellar 33-2 season, clinching the Big 12 regular-season and tournament titles. But the journey isn’t over, with Utah State next on the docket.
Utah State has crafted a legacy of success despite frequent changes in leadership. With four head coaches in eight years, the Aggies have still made six tournament appearances in seven tries, excluding the COVID year. Their coaching hires, including current head coach Jarrod Calhoun, have been spot on.
Calhoun, in his second year, continues to lead the Aggies with determination. “What makes good companies?
It’s people. It’s connectivity.
It’s leadership,” he remarks.
The Aggies’ playing style, characterized by sharp shooting and paint dominance, mirrors Arizona’s recent opponents. The Wildcats handled a similar team, Long Island University, with ease, forcing them into difficult shots.
As the Wildcats prepare for Sunday’s showdown, it’s their unity that stands out. “They’re just great guys,” Lloyd says.
“The freshmen are talented and have great futures. But they’re also great teammates.
It was just a good blend of guys that were about the right things.”
With a mix of talent, teamwork, and a strong culture, Arizona is poised to continue their impressive run.