Olson led the Wildcats to the 1997 national championship and coached his workforce to three further Last Four appearances. Olson received national Mentor of the Calendar year honors five periods.
Olson had 781 job coaching wins, with a file 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 stated in a statement, “Mentor (Olson) was an iconic determine in faculty basketball who place the College of Arizona’s basketball plan on the map. Yet his legacy extends nicely further than the courtroom. He impacted hundreds of life, inspiring younger adult males to attain over and above their possible and instilling services to other people as a cornerstone of a person’s character. He will be considerably missed by all who adore the University of Arizona.”
“Lute Olson was so much a lot more than a basketball mentor,” stated University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins. “He was an educator, a motivator, a spouse, a father, a grandfather and a close friend to so numerous. He was a correct chief in each individual perception of the word and displayed these types of integrity and compassion in each individual endeavor. Although Coach will no lengthier be with us, his presence will be felt for generations to appear. On behalf of the University of Arizona, our local community and generations of Wildcat supporters, we increase our feelings and prayers to the Olson relatives.”
