Twenty-five years ago, then-Gonzaga coach Dan Monson received a call from a junior college coach he knew.
“I have this great kid who’s going to play overseas soon,” Monson remembers Walla Walla Community College coach Jeff Reinland telling him. “He needs a position as a research assistant.”
Monson hired Tommy Lloyd on Reinland's recommendation. Monson then left Gonzaga to become Minnesota's next coach soon after.
Two weeks later, Monson received a call from his former assistant, Mark Few.
“Did you promise this Tommy a job as an assistant?” Few asked. “Which job does he have? He’s just hanging around here.”
March 20, 2024; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Arizona Wildcats head coach Tommy Lloyd speaks to the media during the first round of NCAA practice at the Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
This Tommy, of course, later became Few's right-hand man. He wasn't just college basketball's top international recruiter. He was also a versatile coach who was interested in elite transfers and high school prospects and was instrumental in game planning and player development.
Three years ago, Lloyd took over at Arizona, where he won 86 games, won two Pac-12 titles and won two conference tournament titles. His Wildcats face Monson's Long Beach State team today in a first-round NCAA tournament that doubles as a pivotal moment.
“Tommy has become one of the greatest minds in the game and a great coach,” Monson said.