Governor Katie Hobbs (D-AZ) took a moment to honor the University of Arizona (UoA) men's basketball team following their Final Four loss to the University of Michigan, acknowledging what the Wildcats accomplished in a season that will not soon be forgotten.
"Not the result we wanted tonight, but what a tourney," Gov. Hobbs wrote on X. "You showed the country what Wildcat basketball is all about."
The Wildcats fell 91-73 to the University of Michigan in Indianapolis, closing the book on a season that exceeded just about every expectation. The loss hurt, but it did little to diminish what this group accomplished over the year.
Arizona wrapped up the season at 36-3, the best record in program history. They spent nine straight weeks at No. 1 in the AP Poll, won the Big 12 regular season title, and took home the conference tournament championship, all in their first full season as Big 12 members.
The players earned their share of recognition, too.
Player Recognition
Guard Jaden Bradley walked away as Big 12 Player of the Year, while freshman Koa Peat was named Most Outstanding Player in the West Regional. Bradley and fellow freshman Brayden Burries both earned All-American honors, a testament to the depth of talent on this roster.
Head coach Tommy Lloyd had a season to remember as well, earning both Big 12 Coach of the Year and Naismith Coach of the Year. His performance this season was convincing enough for Arizona to lock him in with a five-year contract extension, ending any speculation about him leaving for another program.
Perhaps most importantly, the Wildcats reached the Final Four for the first time in 25 years, giving a fanbase that packed arenas all season long a moment they had been waiting decades for.
Michigan proved to be one step too far, but that does not diminish what this team meant to Tucson and the state of Arizona.
Hobbs summed it up well: this was a historic season, and the Wildcats gave their state every reason to be proud.
