Busier Arizona 70-something: Olson or McCain?
Posted: Friday, October 03, 2008 3:47 PM
Filed Under:
Coaches, Pac-10, Lute Olson
Lute Olson’s had a busy year by anyone’s standards, let alone a guy who just turned 74 less than two weeks ago.
Olson took last season off as Arizona’s basketball coach for personal reasons, finalized a divorce and came back this summer to find his star recruit bolt for Europe and two others change their minds. Last month, the NCAA announced it will investigate a possible recruiting violation.
None of that slowed down Olson, though. During a benefit dinner Wednesday hosted by ex-Wildcats star Steve Kerr, Olson announced his engagement to Kelly Pugnea, a Tucson resident. The two haven’t set a wedding date.
Never confuse Lute Olson with a man who focuses on one thing at a time.
Pugnea, 47, is a divorced mom of two boys. She met Olson about seven months ago. (Yes, that was when Olson was still finalizing his divorce.)
So, to recap, here’s Olson’s year, in a nutshell:
In November, Olson announced he’d take a leave of absence for undisclosed reasons. By Dec. 7, it was clear that it extended to the rest of the season when he filed for divorce from his wife, Christine. (They were married in 2003.) Assistant coach Kevin O’Neill took over on an interim basis.
Jan. 8: Christine Olson filed a court challenge to the divorce, asking for the couple to take counseling instead.
March 11: Arizona announces Olson will resume his head coaching duties once the season ends.
April 5: Star freshman Jerryd Bayless declares for the NBA draft.
Things didn’t go well when Olson returned. The Wildcats finished the season 19-15 and lost in the NCAA tournament’s opening round. By April 23, O’Neill was re-assigned in the Arizona athletic department.
May 18: Star recruit Emmanuel Negedu asks for a release. He would later enroll at Tennessee.
The biggest blow to the Arizona program came on July 9 when the nation’s top prep player, Brandon Jennings, officially announced he would play next season in Europe.
July 29: Another recruit, center/forward Greg Smith, decides not to attend Arizona. He’ll go to Fresno State instead.
Sept. 15: The NCAA will investigate a possible Arizona recruiting violation. Olson sent a letter to basketball boosters asking for a donation to Jim Storey’s Arizona Cactus Classic basketball tournament. Rules prevent boosters from arranging financial assistance for potential recruits. Olson called the letter “an unfortunate and regrettable error.”
But good news on the recruiting front: Olson secured a commitment for the 2009 class in guard Abdul Gaddy on Sept. 17. He’d originally settled on Arizona back in 2007, but wasn’t sure if he’d stick with the commitment.
If nothing else, Olson still has the recruiting touch.
Eat your heart out John McCain. You're not the only Arizona 70-something who seemingly never sleeps.
