Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd commended former Utah coach Craig Smith and his sons for their professionalism and class after Smith was fired following a loss to UCF. Smith’s two sons, one a player and the other a director of operations for the Utah Men’s basketball team, still showed up for their game against Arizona. Lloyd praised the Smith brothers for their dedication and resilience in the face of adversity.
Lloyd, who spoke with Smith after the firing, highlighted the challenges of coaching and the toll it can take on families. Despite the competitive nature of coaching, Lloyd emphasized the importance of supporting one another and recognizing the difficulties coaches face. The two coaches began their tenure in the Pac-12 at the same time and developed a mutual respect and understanding for each other’s experiences.
Smith’s tenure at Utah included a 65-62 record, with no NCAA Tournament appearances but a run to the NIT semifinals in 2023-24. Despite the lack of postseason success, Lloyd and others in the basketball community have commended Smith for his character and dedication to his team.
In their most recent game, Arizona defeated Utah 83-66, marking Lloyd’s sixth victory over Smith since 2021. The Wildcats’ dominant performance showcased their strength, but Lloyd’s words of admiration for Smith and his sons serve as a reminder of the human side of coaching and the importance of supporting one another in the competitive world of college basketball.
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