Former University of Arizona and Hall of Fame coach Lute Olson is in good condition after he suffered a minor stroke over the weekend.
“Hall of Fame Coach Lute Olson has been hospitalized after experiencing a minor stroke,” the University of Arizona said in a statement through the Athletic Department. “Coach Olson is not only an icon of our men’s basketball program and all of college basketball, but he is also an embodiment of greatness to Arizona Athletics, the University of Arizona and the Tucson community. Our thoughts are with Coach Olson, his family and loved ones during this time.”
Lute speaking to the crowd at his statue dedication.
He is 84 years old.
According to reports, Olson was admitted to Banner-University Medical Center on Saturday. He is 84 years old and has not coached since the 2006-07 season. He suffered a stroke in 2008.
“He is expected to make a full recovery but will likely need some rehabilitation therapy after his discharge from the hospital,” David Labiner, MD, chairman of the UA Department of Neurology, was quoted as saying by KVOA-TV.
He led UA to an improbable national title in 1997 with a group of underclassmen, including Mike Bibby, Miles Simon and Jason Terry.
He led UA to four Final Fours, including another national championship appearance in 2001 against Duke.
He won went 589–187 (.759) while at Arizona. He guided UA to the NCAA tournament 24 of 25 seasons, all but one season (his first year). He won 11 Pac-10 titles and was named conference coach of the year seven times.
He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002 and the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.
Olson had not attended a home game for Arizona this season until two weeks ago when the Washington schools visited.
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