Olson led the Wildcats to the 1997 national championship and trained his team to three more Final Four appearances. Olson has been named National Coach of the Year five times.
Olson had 781 career coaching wins with a record of 589-187 in Arizona. Olson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002.
Dave Heeke, director of athletics at the University of Arizona, said in a statement: “Coach (Olson) was an icon in college basketball who put the University of Arizona basketball program on the map, but his legacy extends well beyond the field of play It affected thousands of people. ” Life to inspire young men to go beyond their potential and serve others as cornerstones of a person’s character. He will be greatly missed by all who love the University of Arizona. “
“Lute Olson was so much more than a basketball coach,” said Robert C. Robbins, president of the University of Arizona. “He has been an educator, motivator, husband, father, grandfather and friend to so many. He was a true leader in every way and showed such integrity and compassion in every endeavor. While Coach will no longer do this. ” Be with us, his presence will be felt for generations to come. On behalf of the University of Arizona, our community, and generations of Wildcat fans, we extend our thoughts and prayers to the Olson family. “
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