The NBA franchise received rather upsetting news this week. Hall of Famer basketball coach, Lute Olson passed away on Thursday at the age of 85. He was the greatest coach in Arizona Basketball History and the man who led the University of Arizona to the NCAA Tournament Championship in 1997. He retired from coaching in October 2008 and it was in 2019 that he suffered a minor stroke after which his health started to decline. On this sad day, Coach Steve Kerr said goodbye to his former coach.
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Steve Kerr expresses gratitude to former coach
One of the many players that Lute Olson Coached, Steve Kerr was one of them. Steve Kerr’s career really kicked off and became the Golden State Warriors‘ head coach himself. Steve took to Instagram to thank his coach and bid goodbye.
He posted a picture of him with the coach from the good old days and wrote, “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!”
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
Olson was the guiding light for the Arizona Wildcats and it is him who made them into a national entity. Olson took Steve Kerr under his wing when he was recruited by the Wildcats in 1983. He even got an opportunity to play four seasons under him. Under Olson, Kerr blossomed into one of the top guards in the country and he never shy’s away from giving his coach the credit to all the success he has achieves so far.
The greatest coach in NCAA history has also helped other players like Mike Bibby, Jason Terry, Andre Iguadala grow.
Lute Olson’s impact will remain forever
It is quite evident that Olson has greatly influenced Kerr in his own ways. Not only did he helped kick-start his career but has also had a lot of impact on his coaching career with the Golden State Warriors.
When Kerr was declared Coach of the Year in 2016. Olson was on hand for the presentation which made the entire reward although more special. His tutelage will forever guide other coaches and will be written down in the NBA’s history.
