Arizona coaching legend Lute Olson died on Thursday, Aug. 27, at the age of 85. Here are some statements from current and former players, coaches and friends.
It’s rare that a man is a Hall of famer and still under appreciated. I’ll always feel like you never got the credit you deserved as a leader, family man, grandfather, coach and as a mentor. I love you Coach O 🐻⬇️
— Richard Jefferson (@Rjeff24) August 28, 2020
I told Denny Crum I was coming to Louisville. Midnight Lute called. We talked for 3 hrs! He Changed my mind, then changed my life! Never truly in my eyes got the credit he deserved. It’s okay though! Love you Papa Lute!! 🙏🏽🙏🏽
— Damon Stoudamire (@Iambiggie503) August 28, 2020
With out you there would be no me Rest peacefully #CoachO #BearDown pic.twitter.com/XUTQwuJqNk
— Jason “The Jet” Terry (@jasonterry31) August 28, 2020
RIP Coach O 🙏🏽❤️ Thoughts and prayers to the family of Lute Olson, He was a legend of basketball, made Arizona a powerhouse, and inspired so many of us.
— Josh Green (@josh_green6) August 28, 2020
R.I.P coach O! Won the championship the year before I was born and made sure everyone in Arizona knew who the real basketball school was in the state 🙏🏽🐻⬇️❤️💙
— Ira Lee 🇰🇷👲🏽 (@iramandoesit) August 28, 2020
Tonight our thoughts and prayers are with Coach, his family and everyone he touched. #Legend https://t.co/wuKHKZgaay
— Kevin Sumlin (@CoachSumlin) August 28, 2020
Growing up, Coach Olson was a person I looked up to and greatly admired. The impact he made on college basketball and the Tucson community is immeasurable. I was proud to become his friend. #RIPLute pic.twitter.com/9Gg56ancvp
— Greg Byrne (@Greg_Byrne) August 28, 2020
Thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Coach Lute Olson. LEGEND. #BearDown
— Rich Rodriguez (@RealCoachRod) August 28, 2020
Rest In Peace to one of the best to ever do it. And one of the most genuine people I’ve had the pleasure of crossing paths with. Prayers out to his family. 🙏🏽 https://t.co/wQMmAQky1F
— Brandon Ashley (@_Bash21) August 28, 2020
Amazing coach and proud to call him a friend and mentor! Rest In Peace Coach and my thoughts and prayers are with the Olson family! pic.twitter.com/8keu2jQaeC
— Mike Candrea (@CoachCandreaUA) August 28, 2020
It’s hard to put into words how much Lute Olson meant to me.He was an amazing coach & a wonderful man. Being part of the U of A basketball family changed my life forever.I will never forget Coach O, those awesome nights at McKale and all my teammates. Thank you Coach- I love you! pic.twitter.com/GUvtSFr9Lm
— Steve Kerr (@SteveKerr) August 28, 2020
— Robert C. Robbins (@UArizonaPres) August 28, 2020
— Dave Heeke (@Dave_Heeke) August 28, 2020
Sad to learn about the passing of Lute Olson. One of the all time greats! RIP ❤️ https://t.co/L0tRkmCWJV
— Bobby Hurley (@BobbyHurley11) August 28, 2020
Always wanted to play for Lute Olson!!! RIP to a real legend!
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) August 28, 2020
We’ve lost a great coach tonight the #Legendary #LuteOlson 🙏🏾Your legacy will live on forever. It was a pleasure competing against you #ThankYou for being a great general @uarizona You will truly be missed #RIPLuteOlson #beardown #tucson #universityofarizona #LegendsNeverDie 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/OHVwNvbFnm
— GARY PAYTON (@GaryPayton) August 28, 2020
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