Arizona coach respects Lithuania's basketball strength ahead of matches

University of Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd holds deep respect for Lithuania's basketball prowess as his Wildcats prepare for a series of exhibition games on Lithuanian soil. Lloyd, who led the U.S. U19 team to a FIBA World Cup title last summer, acknowledged the increasing global competitiveness in the sport.

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We have great respect for our opponents and take nothing for granted. Countries like Lithuania, France, Germany, Serbia, Spain, and Canada have developed very strong basketball programs.

"We have great respect for our opponents and take nothing for granted. Countries like Lithuania, France, Germany, Serbia, Spain, and Canada have developed very strong basketball programs," Lloyd stated in an exclusive interview. He believes the future of FIBA basketball is exciting and that the U.S. team embraces the challenge.

Lloyd, the recipient of the prestigious Naismith Coach of the Year award in 2026, guided the Wildcats to a remarkable 36-3 record in the 2025-2026 season, their best in program history. The team also secured victories in the Big 12 regular season and conference tournament. Last season, they reached the Final Four of the NCAA March Madness tournament.

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FIBA basketball has played an important role in my development as a coach. I have seen many FIBA basketball games, analyzed many excellent foreign coaches and teams. Since the early 2000s, I have started attending FIBA European and World Championships, and I have always really enjoyed these tournaments. So, this time coming not as a scout, but as a coach of one of the teams and being part of the competition myself was a very enjoyable experience.

The Arizona Wildcats are set to face Lithuania's reserve team, coached by Mindaugas Lukšius, on August 20th in Jonava. They will then play against the Ukrainian national team in Kėdainiai on August 21st. The tour culminates on August 22nd in Alytus, where the Wildcats will compete against the Lithuanian men's national team, led by Rimas Kurtinaitis.

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I think the U.S. basketball organization is still the strongest in the world. However, the competition has certainly become much tougher. We no longer go into tournaments thinking it will be easy – we'll just come and take the gold medals.