Olson's support staff failed him

Posted: Tuesday, October 28, 2008 3:52 PM
Filed Under: Lute Olson

The reason behind Lute Olson’s sudden retirement became clear on Tuesday when Olson’s doctor revealed the coach suffered a stroke during 2008. As a result, Olson was advised to retire.

So there’s the reason. And it’s a mighty good one. Olson, who recently announced his engagement, just turned 74. He’d like to spend more time with his grandkids, kids and fiancée.

Still, unless the stroke was last week, the timing remains curious. Where was Olson’s support staff? CONTINUED >>

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Tracking the bizarre finish to Olson's career

Posted: Thursday, October 23, 2008 5:02 PM
Filed Under: Coaches, Lute Olson

Lute Olson capped a bizarre year with a bizarre finish to his career.

If the various reports about the Arizona basketball coach retiring are true, then it’s a melancholy, ultimately unsatisfying end to a Hall of Fame career. Olson, 74, will go down as one of college hoops’ greatest coaches, but I wonder how long the events of the last year will stick with him.

With any luck, it won’t be long. Olson deserves better. CONTINUED >>

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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. CONTINUED >>

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The greatest programs: No. 8, Arizona

Posted: Tuesday, August 19, 2008 12:17 PM
Filed Under: Greatest hoops programs, Lute Olson

Arizona hasn’t missed the NCAA tournament since 1984. That streak alone – the second longest in NCAA history – would necessitate inclusion among the greatest college basketball programs of all time.

But the Wildcats have done more since ’84 than just consistently win. They’ve produced some of the NCAA's most talented teams, several memorable games (the ’05 regional final against Illinois still amazes) and developed into one of college hoops' truly elite programs.

How else would they end up at No. 8 on this list? CONTINUED >>

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Is Lute trying to top JoePa?

Posted: Friday, May 23, 2008 1:24 PM
Filed Under: Links roundups, Coaches, Lute Olson

The Friday links, for your reading pleasure. (Even if you’ve already left work to enjoy a long weekend.)

Lute Olson wants to coach until he's 80. Marquette has a star returning. UCLA found a replacement for Kevin Love and Tom Crean lost another player.

Isn't this the offseason? CONTINUED >>

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