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Gonzaga's Coaching Tree Blooms: Hall of Fame & Final Four
5 Apr
Summary
- Three Gonzaga coaches share a bond forged since 1999.
- Mark Few will be inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame.
- Tommy Lloyd is coaching in the Final Four after years at Gonzaga.
The careers of coaches Tommy Lloyd, Mark Few, and Dan Monson are deeply intertwined, originating from their shared history at Gonzaga University.
Their bond began in 1999, with Monson's departure from Gonzaga to Minnesota leading to Few honoring a promise to hire Lloyd as a graduate assistant. This decision laid the groundwork for a lasting connection.
Mark Few, the current head coach, is set to be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Simultaneously, Tommy Lloyd, a former 22-year assistant at Gonzaga, is competing in the Final Four. This dual recognition marks a significant milestone for the Gonzaga program.
The Gonzaga basketball program's trajectory has been extraordinary. From near fiscal crisis in 1998, it transformed into a national powerhouse, achieving 27 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances and multiple Final Four berths.
Lloyd's transition to head coach at Arizona was facilitated by his extensive experience and reputation built at Gonzaga. Despite considering other opportunities, he recently signed a five-year extension with Arizona, solidifying his commitment.
Lloyd's journey to Arizona was significantly shaped by his international recruiting success at Gonzaga. This expertise allowed him to bring top global talent to Spokane, contributing to the Zags' sustained success and preparing him for his current role.
