Hall of Famer Lute Olson passes away at 85

Olson went 589-187 with the Wildcats and led them to 11 Pac-10 championships.

Former Arizona coach and Hall of Famer Lute Olson passed away Friday night. He was 85 years old.

Olson was one of the most successful basketball coaches in UA history over his 24 seasons with the Wildcats. Olson led the Wildcats to the 1997 NCAA title, which is still a crowning moment to date in UA athletics history. He also led them to three other Final Fours and 22 NCAA Tournament appearances.

At Arizona, Olson had 589 wins and 187 losses. He led the Wildcats to 11 Pac-10 championships.

In 2002 he was named to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

In Olson’s autobiography, a quote from him reads, “It’s amazing what a difference a round ball can make in so many lives.”

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