Arizona will put Miles Simon’s jersey on permanent display at McKale Center, joining those of Sean Elliott, Steve Kerr, Jason Terry, Mike Bibby and Jason Gardner.
It’s good that the UA has changed its requirements for jersey displays; Gardner is not one of the top 15 or 20 players in school history, yet his name is honored for posterity because someone chose him the national freshman of the year in 2001.
Simon had a much more significant career. But if you display Simon’s jersey, what about Damon Stoudamire’s No. 20? Stoudamire was clearly a better player.
At least now the UA appears more flexible when it comes to matters of historic significance.
One more thing: Central Florida last week approved a statue of former football coach George O’Leary, who was 81-60 in 12 seasons. Really.
Lute Olson coached Arizona to 25 consecutive NCAA Tournaments, four Final Fours and changed the identity of the school’s athletic department. There is no statue of Lute Olson anywhere.
