Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd deflects North Carolina job rumors, prioritizing the Final Four and a national championship chase.
Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd is preparing for one of the most important moments of his career while being tied to arguably the best job he will ever be offered.
On Saturday, the Wildcats will take on Michigan in the Final Four for an opportunity to play in the national championship. After the season, he could be offered the head coaching job at North Carolina.
Since Hubert Davis parted ways with the Tar Heels, Lloyd has been connected to Chapel Hill. Unlike other candidates, he hasn't flat out denied having any interest in the Blue Blood program.
Still, Lloyd understands what is immediately ahead of him.
When asked Thursday about North Carolina, Lloyd said he's not letting any distractions in before the Final Four.
“I’ve got my full focus on this team," Lloyd said. "Nothing is distracting me. That’s how I’ve decided to approach it,” Lloyd said. “I’m 100 percent locked in on Arizona basketball right now.
"I’m excited to see what this team can do. I have a real strong belief in this team, and this team deserves my full attention. So that’s what I’m giving them.”
It's the right mindset. He and his players deserve to have the immediate future to worry about winning a national championship. It wouldn't be fair to the players he coaches to give up on the team so close to a title.
Next week, all bets are off.
May recently suggested "the sun" could be setting on his time with the Wildcats.
"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 to protect it and build it," Lloyd said.
"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."
The decision could come as soon as next Tuesday. But until Arizona is out of the NCAA Tournament, Lloyd has no distractions.