Photos: A look back at University of Arizona basketball
As the Arizona Wildcats celebrate the Red-Blue weekend and the 1988 Final Four team, we take a look at some images from Arizona basketball history with an emphasis on the 1988 team.
1988 University of Arizona basketball team
Head coach Lute Olson
1988 University of Arizona basketball team
Arizona's starting players during a 1988 regular season game at Washington State. From left, Sean Elliott, Anthony Cook, Steve Kerr, reserve center Joe Turner, Craig McMillan and Tom Tolbert.
1988 University of Arizona basketball team
University of Arizona coaches, including head coach Lute Olson, at right in gray suit, and assistant Kevin O’Neill, wearing glasses, during the 1988 Pac-10 Tournament.
1988 University of Arizona basketball team
Sophomore forward/guard Jud Buechler
1988 University of Arizona basketball team
Junior forward Sean Elliott
1988 University of Arizona basketball team
Sophomore guard Harvey Mason in 1988
1988 University of Arizona basketball team
Senior guard Craig McMillan
1988 University of Arizona basketball team
Senior guard Steve Kerr
1988 University of Arizona basketball team
Junior forward Anthony Cook
1988 University of Arizona basketball team
Senior center Tom Tolbert
1988 University of Arizona basketball team
Freshman guard Matt Muehlebach
1988 University of Arizona basketball team
Junior forward Sean Rooks
A look back at University of Arizona basketball
The Arizona Wildcats bench erupts as they widen their lead against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the second half of the NCAA West regional game in Seattle, March 26, 1988. Arizona won the game, 99-79.
A look back at University of Arizona basketball
Arizona Wildcats center Tom Tolbert (center) struggles to keep control of the ball as North Carolina Tar Heels forward Rick Fox (left) takes a stab at the ball in the second half of the NCAA West Regional Championship game in Seattle, March 27, 1988. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
A look back at University of Arizona basketball
Oklahoma's Dave Sieger reaches for the ball as Arizona's Joe Turner falls to the ground during the first half of their NCAA final four tournament semifinal game in Kansas City, Saturday, April 2, 1988. (AP Photo/John Gaps)
A look back at University of Arizona basketball
Arizona's Steve Kerr reaches for the ball as Oklahoma's Mookie Blaylock (10) presses from behind during the first half of their semifinal game at the final four tournament in Kansas City, Saturday, April 2, 1988. (AP Photo/Susan Ragan)
A look back at University of Arizona basketball
University of Arizona’s Steue Kerr gets a boost from teammate Tom Tolbert during practice on Friday, April 2, 1988 in Kansas City, for the final four. Tolbert is too short to stuff the base but the team helped out much to the enjoyment of the capacity crowd that came out for practice sessions. (AP Photo/Cliff Schiappa)
A look back at University of Arizona basketball
Duke's Danny Ferry gathers in more than a rebound as he hooks up with Arizona's Jud Buechler in the second half of Arizona's 77-75 win over Duke at the Meadowlands Arena in East Rutherford, N.J. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 1989. (AP Photo/Bill Kostrun)
A look back at University of Arizona basketball
Some 2003 UA players (top row from left to right) Isaiah Fox, Channing Frye, coach Lute Olson, Beau Muhlbach, and Andre Iguodala, along with (bottom row, left to right) Salim Stoudamire, Mustafa Shakur, Hassan Adams, Chris Rodgers, and Kirk Walters, pose with 1904 UA athletes including basketball players, as this year celebrates the 100th year of Arizona basketball. Photo illustration by David Sanders. Arizona Daily Star.
A look back at University of Arizona basketball
This is a 1948 photo of Morris K Udall as a student at the University of Arizona and a player on the Wildcat basketball team.
A look back at University of Arizona basketball
Harvey Mason and Jud Buechler congratulate Sean Rooks after he sank the first of two free throws at the end of the game against Oklahoma to win. Jan. 20, 1990.
A look back at University of Arizona basketball
UA basketball head coach Lute Olson and player Sean Elliott, nominated for coach and player of the year respectively, during their game against USC, as Olson coaches Elliott on the bench. Feb. 27, 1989. File photo by Arizona Daily Star.
A look back at University of Arizona basketball
"You could make a fortune!" Jay Leno told Lute Olson during "The Tonight Show" last night, handing him a can of 'Lute Spray." just say "One spray, and you too can be a wildcat." Their chat in beautiful downtown Burbank was part of Olson's reward as the coach of Arizona's NCAA basketball Champions. Wednesday, April. 2, 1997, at NBC studios in Burbank, Calif. Olson and his team won the National Championship at the NCAA Monday night against Kentucky. (AP Photo/Rene Macura). Copyright 1996 The Arizona Daily Star PLS:Television; Book:A; People: Lute Olson and Jay Leno Television Program-- The Tonight Show
A look back at University of Arizona basketball
Ernie McCray played at Arizona 1956-60 and holds the UA record for points in a game (46). He's photographed here with his portrait and bio that hangs in McKale, Friday evening, Jan 9, 2004. Photo by Chris Richards, Arizona Daily Star
A look back at University of Arizona basketball
Sean Elliott, No. 32, 1985-89. The UA's most-storied player, Elliott led his team, with Steve Kerr, to a Final Four appearance in 1988. He was drafted third overall in the 1989 NBA draft by the San Antonio Spurs, where he won a title in 1999.
A look back at University of Arizona basketball
NCAA MVP Miles Simon, right, holds up the trophy his team won during the NCAA National Championship as he and teammate Mike Bibby arrive at Arizona stadium for a rally Tuesday, April 1, 1997. More than 45,000 people came out to greet the new national champions. (AP Photo/Jeff Robbins)
A look back at University of Arizona basketball
Lute and Bobbi Olson make an appearance during half time at the UA vs. Northeastern Louisiana football game where during half time the 1988 basketball team was honored.
A look back at University of Arizona basketball
Steve Kerr, No. 25, 1983-88. The point guard was the second to have his jersey retired but started his career earlier than any other honored Wildcat. He holds the NCAA record for three-point percentage in a season [.573 in 1987-88 (minimum of 100 attempts)] and was a steady, vital cog in coach Lute Olson's first successful UA teams.
A look back at University of Arizona basketball
Harvey Mason and Kenny Lofton were the Best Dressed Wildcats in 1988.
A look back at University of Arizona basketball
Seton Hall's Martin Salley, left, looks for a way to stop Sean Elliott, of Arizona, during the NCAA Sub-West Regional Tournament, Mar. 21, 1988 at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles. Arizona won 84-55. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
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