Arizona Basketball to honor Lute Olson by wearing patch

With the Arizona Basketball team gearing up for the 2020-21 season, the Wildcats will honor the late Lute Olson this year.

It has been quite the eventful off-season for the Arizona Basketball program, from seeing an entirely re-tooled roster, to the season being restructured due to Covid, but perhaps no event this off-season has been bigger than the untimely passing of Legendary head coach, Lute Olson.

A major icon and figure for the Men’s Basketball program, Lute had passed away, rocking to Arizona Athletics community just a few months ago. However, despite his passing happening back in August, it still feels like it was yesterday.

Arizona Wildcats

From the first time he stepped foot on campus back in 1983-84, his impact had been felt significantly. In just a short while, Lute had built the Wildcats into a National power, and his success with the program can still be seen and felt today. No one thinks Arizona Basketball without thinking of Lute.

In addition his on court success, Lute was the ultimate philanthropist, inspirer, and all around great guy. He had a unique way of uniting the community, bringing a sense of togetherness. No one could unite the city of Tucson, and more importantly the University of Arizona quite like him. Lute is, was, and will continue to be, Arizona Basketball.

So how do you repay a man that gave so much and means so much to your basketball program? Well, no matter how many memorials, statutes, etc. that are built or done, it may never be enough.

However, on Wednesday, the school announced that they will be supporting and honoring Lute’s legacy by sporting black ‘Lute’ patches that will be on the left shoulder of the jerseys.

It may seem like a small gesture, but I know it is one fans can appreciate. Lute gave so much to this program, it is the least we could do. And it is as Sean Miller says, this patch will be worn with a  great sense of responsibility, hopefully inspiring the team to play an unselfish and hardworking brand of basketball that even Lute would appreciate.

At Zona Zealots, we’re excited about this move and hope Lute’s presence can be not only seen, but felt this season. As always, Bear Down, Arizona!