Arizona Wildcats coaching legend Lute Olson is in hospice care, according to KVOA, and “in the fight of his life”, according to longtime Daily Star columnist Greg Hansen.
The 85-year-old has long battled health issues, including a minor stroke last February that hospitalized him. Olson coached at Arizona for 24 seasons before retiring prior to the 2007-08 campaign after an undiagnosed stroke led to depression and an irregular heartbeat.
Olson is by far the most storied coach in Arizona basketball history, guiding the Wildcats to 23 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, 11 conference titles, four Final Fours and, of course, the 1997 national championship.