The statue of former University of Arizona basketball coach Lute Olson unveiled during a cermony at the Eddie Lynch Pavilion at McKale Center, Thursday, April 12, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
Olson was the head coach at Arizona for 25 years, and retired with a 73.6 winning percentage. Under Olson, the Cats went to 23 consecutive NCAA Tournaments, and caused a buzz in Tucson that carried over to Sean Miller's tenure.
Olson will always be a part of elite company in Tucson sports history. Bear Down creator John "Buttton" Salmon, Amphitheater football coach Vern Friedli and UA coach Pop McKale are a few names that come to mind when listing some of the most recognizable names in Tucson history. But Olson's former players will always coin their coach's impact incomparable to other local figures.
Eugene Edgerson on remembering Lute Olson’s legacy at Arizona and in Tucson: pic.twitter.com/rHPU5xJoPE
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 13, 2018
"He is the most iconic sports figure in town," Member of the 1997 national championship team Eugene Edgerson said. "Rightfully so, you think about everything that he did here, his winning percentage and the impact he had on his players that have gone on to do great things not only in the community, but wherever else they traveled to and made their new home and are doing very well in those places, that's all because of Coach Olson and the impact he's had on us."

