Posted by Jenna Simons on Mar 19th 2026
Arizona Wildcats Are Going to Blaze Through March Madness 2026 ?
If there's one thing we know about at Crowntown Cannabis, it's picking winners – and folks, the Arizona Wildcats are the highest seed we're betting on this March Madness. With Coach Tommy Lloyd calling the plays and a roster elevated to championship status, the Wildcats aren't just competing – they're about to go up in smoke against the competition. This isn't just hype; it's history about to repeat itself.
Tommy Lloyd: The Coach Who's Got Arizona Elevated
Coach Tommy Lloyd isn't just good; he's historic. Recently named the Big 12 Coach of the Year (2026), Lloyd has cemented his legacy with 141 wins in his first five seasons—the MOST by any head coach in Division I history. Talk about a high achiever.
This season, he led Arizona to a school-record 29 wins and a dominant 16-2 conference record, winning the Big 12 league by two full games. Lloyd's got the Wildcats rolling like a perfectly packed pre-roll – smooth, consistent, and absolutely fire. Having previously snagged the Pac-12 Coach of the Year honors back in 2021-22, he knows exactly how to keep a team at the top of their game.
Recent Awards Have Arizona Higher Than Ever
It's not just the coach; the talent on the floor is undeniable. This roster is stacked like our top-shelf flower at Crowntown – premium quality, carefully curated, and ready to deliver.
- Jaden Bradley: Named Big 12 Player of the Year, averaging 13.4 points and 4.6 assists per game. He's also a finalist for the prestigious Bob Cousy Award.
- Tobe Awaka: The Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year, dominating the boards with 9.5 rebounds per game and leading the entire nation in offensive rebounding percentage.
- All-Big 12 First Team Honors: Brayden Burries, Motiejus Krivas, and Jaden Bradley all earned First Team selections.
- Koa Peat: Even the freshmen are blazing trails, with Peat earning Third Team All-Big 12 honors after averaging 13.8 points per game.
1997 Championship DNA Still Runs Through Tucson
We can't talk about Arizona glory without lighting up a tribute to the legendary 1997 National Championship team under Lute Olson. That squad remains the ONLY team in NCAA history to defeat three #1 seeds in the same tournament (Kansas, UNC, and Kentucky).
Led by Miles Simon who was named Finals MVP, that young underdog team shocked the world. That championship pedigree? It's chronic. And it's back.
Why Arizona Will Win It All in 2026
Here's why we're all in on Arizona – and why you should be too:
- Unanimous #1 Seed: With a 28-2 record heading into the Big 12 tourney, Arizona is a lock for a #1 seed.
- Best Odds to Win: They are currently +480 favorites to win the national title according to FanDuel (tied with Duke & Michigan).
- West Regional Path: The road to the Final Four goes through San Diego and San Jose, giving the Wildcats a massive home-court advantage.
- Speed & Versatility: Their fast-paced offense and suffocating defensive pressure mean they'll spark up any opponent they face.
- Championship Experience: Tommy Lloyd has already taken this program to 3 Sweet 16s in just 4 years. They are ready for the next step.