Arizona is in its drive for No. 5 – Fina Fours, that is.
Four came under Hall of Fame coach Lute Olson. Now, Arizona’s first under Tommy Lloyd.
So, what would Olson think of what’s going on with the Wildcats?
“Oh my gosh, he’d be so proud of these Cats,” said his oldest daughter, Jodi Brase, who at Arizona’s last Final Four in 2001 when UA faced Duke in the finals. “He would think how talented they are and how well-coached they are. He’d be over the moon.”
She also knows – if he were alive – he’d wish he could be with them.
“He’d definitely be there,” she said. “100 percent.”
Earlier in the week, Lloyd paid tribute to Arizona’s strong past, including Olson who helped lay the foundation of what he’s guiding today.
It’s often been said by many that Lloyd has the same coaching style as Olson, where he gives freedom to his players, allowing for mistakes (within reason). Has she heard that?
“I’ve heard that many times,” she said. “I agree with that wholeheartedly. He is definitely trusting of his talent. He doesn’t try to micromanage it.”
Although Tommy said he didn’t really meet Lute while at Gonzaga – short of shaking his hand and seeing him at an event – Brase said she’s met Tommy “many times.”
“We talk on the phone quite often,” she said.
What does she make of him?
“He could be friends with anyone,” she said. “He’s so down to earth and lowkey. He’s very good about asking how you are and asking questions – it’s not just about him.”
This week it’s about Lloyd and his players and Brase knows that. And is beyond happy for all the excitement. She’s right there with them, unofficially picking UA to win it this year.
But she and her family won’t be in Indianapolis, the place where UA won it all in 1997.
“We’ve been watching it with friends at different houses,” said Brase, who said she will be with family and friends watching.
So, until Saturday when UA faces Michigan her and her entourage are “100 percent locked down, locked in and excited, so happy what a legacy mom (Bobbi) and dad built.”
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