The UA will unveil a statue of legendary coach Lute Olson on April 12, the school announced Wednesday. More than two-thirds of the money needed to build the statue has been raised via private donations; the UA is soliciting more donations to make its goal.Β
Olson and many of his former players will be on hand to see the statue's unveiling, though the event is by invitation only.Β
Olson's statue will be located just north of the Jim Click Hall of Champions. The UA said the location was determined based on a number of factors, including its proximity to campus and the UA mall. The south side of McKale Center was not considered, the school said, because of potential expansion plans.Β
Olson's statue is being built by private donations, including one from 1988 Final Four hero Steve Kerr. As of Wednesday morning, the UA has raised $205,585 of the $300,000 requested for the statue's constructions. Details (and donation instructions) can be found here.Β
Olson went 589-187 in 24 seasons at Arizona. He led the Wildcats to Final Four appearances in 1988, 1994, 1997 and 2001. He was enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002.Β
