TUCSON, Ariz. — Dozens of heartfelt tributes from players, coaches, institutions and fans across the country flowed through social media Thursday after news broke that legendary University of Arizona basketball coach Lute Olson died at the age of 85.
Here are a few:
UArizona alum and NBA champion Richard Jefferson:
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
UArizona alum, NBA champion player and coach Steve Kerr
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
UArizona alum and former NBA player Channing Frye:
Thank you coach for taking a chance on some skinny kid from Chandler,Az. I owe my whole basketball career to you and what you taught me. I’m gonna miss you. pic.twitter.com/yRIBVKM137
— Channing Frye (@channingfrye) August 28, 2020
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey:
Legendary basketball coach. Mentor. Leader. National Champion. Arizonan. #RIP Lute Olson #BearDown pic.twitter.com/K4VzR0H6oT
— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) August 28, 2020
Current UArizona basketball coach Sean Miller:
“He had no weaknesses as a coach.”
— Arizona Basketball (@APlayersProgram) August 28, 2020
Sean Miller on the passing of Hall of Fame coach and basketball icon Lute Olson. #BearDown pic.twitter.com/ysLHeWS8Hq
UArizona alum and college basketball coach Damon Stoudamire:
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
Phoenix Suns:
Our hearts are heavy. Rest In Peace, Lute. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/8sq8WwZrlj
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) August 28, 2020
Former NBA player Isaiah Thomas:
Always wanted to play for Lute Olson!!! RIP to a real legend!
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) August 28, 2020
Former NBA player Shaun Livingston:
Coach Lute Olson was THE MAN! Growing up Watching guard play at Arizona made me want to play there someday. Rest Easy Coach 🙏🏽
— Shaun Livingston (@ShaunLivingston) August 28, 2020
