In a remarkable full-circle moment, Tommy Lloyd, the head coach of the Arizona Wildcats, is set to face off against his former mentor, Dan Monson, in the first round of the NCAA tournament. The matchup between Arizona and Monson's Long Beach State team is not only a battle between two skilled teams but also a reunion between a coach and his protégé.

Lloyd's journey in college basketball began 25 years ago when Monson, then the Gonzaga coach, received a call from Walla Walla Community College coach Jeff Reinland. Reinland recommended Lloyd, a talented player finishing his overseas stint, for a graduate assistant spot. Monson took Reinland's advice and hired Lloyd.

However, just two weeks later, Monson left Gonzaga to become the head coach at Minnesota. This move left Lloyd's future uncertain, until Monson received a call from his former assistant, Mark Few. Few inquired about Lloyd's situation, questioning why he was still at Gonzaga.

Fortunately, Lloyd's career took a positive turn as he became Few's right-hand man at Gonzaga. Known for his exceptional international recruiting skills, Lloyd proved himself as a well-rounded coach, excelling in game planning, player development, and attracting top transfers and high school prospects.

Three years ago, Lloyd was appointed as the head coach of the Arizona Wildcats, where he has achieved remarkable success. With 86 wins under his belt, two Pac-12 titles, and two conference tournament crowns, Lloyd has emerged as one of the greatest minds in college basketball.

Now, as destiny would have it, Lloyd's Wildcats are set to face Monson's Long Beach State team in the opening round of the NCAA tournament. It is a fitting reunion between coach and protégé, as Monson reflects on Lloyd's growth and accomplishments.

"Tommy has become one of the greatest minds in the game and a great coach," Monson stated.

The NCAA tournament is known for its unpredictable nature, making this matchup even more significant. As the teams prepare to square off, it will be a thrilling contest imbued with personal history and a shared legacy.

The full schedule for Thursday's NCAA tournament games has been announced. The day will kick off with games starting at 12:14 PM EDT and continue throughout the day, featuring a total of 16 men's games spread out over a 12-hour period. Basketball fans nationwide will be glued to their screens, eagerly following the action.

As the anticipation builds, the stage is set for an epic clash between former allies turned adversaries. Lloyd, representing Arizona, will strive to lead his team to victory, while Monson's Long Beach State squad aims to create an upset and spoil their former coach's plans.

Only time will reveal the outcome of this highly anticipated matchup, but one thing is certain: the meeting between Lloyd and Monson will be etched in their shared basketball history.

Relevant game times for Thursday's NCAA tournament matchup include:
- Thu, March 21, 2024 at 12:14 PM EDT
- Thu, March 21, 2024 at 2:37 PM EDT
- Thu, March 21, 2024 at 2:35 PM EDT
- Thu, March 21, 2024 at 2:34 PM EDT
- Thu, March 21, 2024 at 2:16 PM EDT
- Thu, March 21, 2024 at 2:08 PM EDT
- Thu, March 21, 2024 at 2:02 PM EDT
- Thu, March 21, 2024 at 2:00 PM EDT
- Thu, March 21, 2024 at 1:58 PM EDT
- Thu, March 21, 2024 at 1:47 PM EDT
- Thu, March 21, 2024 at 1:36 PM EDT
- Thu, March 21, 2024 at 1:32 PM EDT