Coaching Legand Calls It Quits

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) -- Arizona had won one conference title in the 29 seasons before Lute Olson arrived from Iowa in 1983.

It didn't take long for Olson to build a powerhouse in the desert. The 74-year-old Olson, who announced his retirement on Thursday, went 589-187 in 24 seasons at Arizona and led the Wildcats to the 1997 national championship and four Final Fours, most recently in 2001.

His program turned into an assembly line of NBA talent, producing 13 first-round draft picks, including Sean Elliott, Mike Bibby and Richard Jefferson.

"Lute Olson transformed the UA and Tucson into premier basketball country," university president Robert N. Shelton said in a statement. "Arizona now stands in the company of great college basketball programs, and we have Lute to thank for that. We will sorely miss his brilliance as our head coach, but we will benefit from the legacy he leaves for decades to come."

It is rare in sports to see one individual transform an organization from a league doormat to a perennial championship contender. Arizona is one of a handful of schools that can call themselves a NCAA basketball powerhouse; all that credit belongs to Lute Olson. His 589 wins speak for them self. Arizona now has some huge shoes to fill. College basketball will miss a coaching talent like Olson.