Arizona men’s basketball head coach Tommy Lloyd has made some significant changes to his coaching staff, promoting TJ Benson to Assistant Coach and hiring Matt King as President of Basketball Operations. Additionally, with the recent NCAA rule changes allowing for more on-court coaches, Rem Bakamus and Ken Nakagawa have been elevated to assistant coaches. These changes are aimed at enhancing the program and continuing the tradition of excellence that is expected with Arizona Basketball.
TJ Benson, who has been with the program for the past three seasons as Special Assistant to the Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator, will now step into the role of Assistant Coach. Benson has been instrumental in scheduling, recruiting efforts, and scouting reports during his time with the team. As an assistant coach, he will provide on-court instruction during practice and games, as well as contribute to off-campus recruiting efforts. Benson expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such a prestigious program and looks forward to helping the student-athletes develop both on and off the court.
Prior to joining Arizona, Benson held various coaching positions at Gonzaga and Grand Canyon University, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to his new role. His background in basketball operations and coaching will be invaluable as he transitions into his new position with the Wildcats.
Matt King, the newly appointed President of Basketball Operations, joins the program after four years with Position Sports, a brand marketing firm based in Phoenix. King’s experience in running prominent events across the country will be a valuable asset to the Arizona Basketball program. His role will involve coordinating branding, marketing, community relations, and operations, as well as scheduling and internal operations. King’s track record of success in event coordination and brand marketing makes him a valuable addition to the coaching staff.
Rem Bakamus, who has been the Director of Player Development since the start of the 2021-22 season, has played a crucial role in the development of former Wildcats both on and off the court. Ken Nakagawa, entering his fourth season with the team, has been instrumental in preparing scouting reports and video scouting for the program. These coaches, along with the rest of the staff, are dedicated to the success and growth of the student-athletes in the program.
Overall, the changes to the coaching staff at Arizona men’s basketball signal a commitment to excellence and a focus on developing the student-athletes both athletically and personally. With a strong coaching staff in place, the Wildcats are poised to continue their tradition of success and compete at the highest level in college basketball.