On Thursday, the basketball world lost a legend. The University of Arizona’s Hall of Fame coach Lute Olson has died at the age of 85.
Over 25 years in Tuscon, Olson oversaw the Arizona Wildcats’ program blossom into a national powerhouse.
In his 23 appearances in the NCAA Tournament, Olson led Arizona to seven Elite Eights and four Finals Fours. In 2001, Olson was roaming the sidelines when Arizona won their first and only National Championship.
In 2002, Olson was enshrined to the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame. Later in 2006, Olson was added to the College Basketball Hall of Fame. A statue of Olson sits outside of the McKale Memorial Center at Arizona’s campus.
During his time in Arizona, Olson helped develop future NBA players like Sean Elliott, Gilbert Arenas, Richard Jefferson, Damon Stoudamire, Mike Bibby, Jason Terry, Channing Frye, Luke Walton, Andre Iguodala and Steve Kerr.
Following the loss of his former college coach, the Golden State Warriors head coach paid tribute to Olson. Kerr shared a message on Twitter thanking his mentor.
Via @SteveKerr on Twitter:
It’s hard to put into words how much Lute Olson meant to me.He was an amazing coach & a wonderful man. Being part of the U of A basketball family changed my life forever.I will never forget Coach O, those awesome nights at McKale and all my teammates. Thank you Coach- I love you! pic.twitter.com/GUvtSFr9Lm
— Steve Kerr (@SteveKerr) August 28, 2020
When Kerr was honored with the NBA’s Coach of the Year award in 2016, Olson was on hand for the presentation.
Via @stewardsfolly on Twitter:
Kerr with high school and college coaches, Jerry Marvin and Lute Olson. pic.twitter.com/gupWZac70h
— Carl Steward (@stewardsfolly) April 26, 2016
From 1984-88, Kerr spent four seasons in the Pac-10 with Olson. During his college campaign at Arizona, Kerr averaged 11.2 points per game on 54.8% from the field with 3.4 assists and 2.2 rebounds per contest.
.png?w=600)
