INDIANAPOLIS — Give Tommy Lloyd credit. The Arizona coach isn’t budging despite rumors he could leave the Wildcats for the vacant North Carolina job.
All along, Lloyd has said his only focus is on leading top-seeded Arizona to a national championship, offering no hints about his future plans.
That didn’t change Thursday.
“Listen, I’ve got my full focus on this team. Nothing is distracting me,” Lloyd said. “That’s just how I’ve decided to approach it.“I’m a simple guy. I am kind of just one thing at a time. I’m not a multitasker. You can ask my wife. I’m 100 percent locked in on Arizona basketball right now, and I’m excited to see what this team can do.”
Arizona is back in the Final Four for the first time in 25 years. Lloyd, the former Gonzaga assistant coach, has led the Wildcats to a 145-38 record in five seasons.
Lloyd drew headlines last weekend after Arizona won the West Region, saying, “Arizona is going to have another good coach after me. I promise you.”
Pressed on the matter earlier this week, Lloyd became somewhat combative.
“You might call them ‘distractions,’ but it’s because you’re distracted,” he told reporters. “That doesn’t mean I’m distracted or we’re distracted.”
Lloyd has yet to say he’s not interested in the North Carolina job or that he will return to Arizona.
Michigan point guard Elliot Cadeau was taken to a hospital Wednesday before the Wolverines left for the Final Four after suffering an allergic reaction from accidental nut exposure.
The junior was with the team Thursday, expected to practice later and play Saturday against Arizona in a matchup of No. 1 seeds. He called it “minor,” not nearly as bad as a similar allergic reaction he had as a kid.
“Very unfortunate for him to have to go through that. If it’s the worst thing that happens to us, then we’re very blessed,” Michigan coach Dusty May said.
The West Orange, N.J., native is averaging 10.2 points and 5.8 assists for Michigan.
