Lute Olson: Famous Arizona basketball coach dies at 85

Olson led the Wildcats to the 1997 national championship and coached his workforce to three supplemental Closing Four appearances. Olson gained countrywide Mentor of the Calendar year honors 5 times.

Olson had 781 career coaching wins, with a report of 589-187 at Arizona. Olson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Corridor of Fame in 2002.

College of Arizona Director of Athletics Dave Heeke mentioned in a statement, “Mentor (Olson) was an legendary determine in higher education basketball who place the University of Arizona’s basketball plan on the map. But his legacy extends perfectly over and above the court. He impacted thousands of life, inspiring young males to reach beyond their opportunity and instilling support to some others as a cornerstone of a person’s character. He will be drastically missed by all who love the University of Arizona.”

“Lute Olson was so a great deal much more than a basketball mentor,” mentioned University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins. “He was an educator, a motivator, a spouse, a father, a grandfather and a buddy to so lots of. He was a correct chief in each individual perception of the phrase and displayed this kind of integrity and compassion in every endeavor. When Mentor will no for a longer time be with us, his presence will be felt for generations to appear. On behalf of the University of Arizona, our community and generations of Wildcat admirers, we increase our feelings and prayers to the Olson household.”