It was the team that put the University of Arizona and Tucson on the map: The cinderella 1987-88 Wildcats men's basketball team that won its way to the 1988 NCAA Final Four semifinal game in Kansas City. Arizona lost, 78-86. Tucson's own Sean Elliott scored a game-high 31 points.
The team produced two of the greatest basketball players in University of Arizona history: Sean Elliott and Steve Kerr. Elliott had a stellar career and an NBA Championship with the San Antonio Spurs. Steve Kerr won multiple championships with the Spurs and the Chicago Bulls. He's the head coach of the Golden State Warriors.
Arizona vs. Oklahoma / 1988 NCAA Final Four
Arizona's Sean Elliott shoots a jumper during the NCAA Final Four semi-final against Oklahoma on April 2, 1988, in Kansas City, Mo.
Arizona vs. Oklahoma / 1988 NCAA Final Four
Arizona guard Steve Kerr dutifully signs autographs prior to the NCAA Final Four semi-final against Oklahoma on April 2, 1988, in Kansas City, Mo.
Arizona vs. Oklahoma / 1988 NCAA Final Four
Arizona basketball coach Lute Olson eschews autograph seekers prior to the NCAA Final Four semi-final against Oklahoma on April 2, 1988, in Kansas City, Mo.
Arizona vs. Oklahoma / 1988 NCAA Final Four
Arizona basketball coach Lute Olson during open practice prior to the NCAA Final Four semi-final against Oklahoma on April 2, 1988, in Kansas City, Mo.
Arizona vs. Oklahoma / 1988 NCAA Final Four
Arizona's Anthony Cook, left, and Harvey Mason during open practice prior to the NCAA Final Four semi-final against Oklahoma on April 2, 1988, in Kansas City, Mo.
Arizona vs. Oklahoma / 1988 NCAA Final Four
Arizona head basketball coach Lute Olson during open practice before the NCAA Final Four semi-final against Oklahoma on April 2, 1988, in Kansas City, Mo.
Arizona vs. Oklahoma / 1988 NCAA Final Four
Arizona's Sean Elliott drives during the NCAA Final Four semi-final against Oklahoma on April 2, 1988, in Kansas City, Mo.
Arizona vs. Oklahoma / 1988 NCAA Final Four
Arizona's Anthony Cook shoots a jumper during the NCAA Final Four semi-final against Oklahoma on April 2, 1988, in Kansas City, Mo.
Arizona vs. Oklahoma / 1988 NCAA Final Four
Arizona forward Jud Buechler reacts during the NCAA Final Four semi-final against Oklahoma on April 2, 1988, in Kansas City, Mo.
Arizona vs. Oklahoma / 1988 NCAA Final Four
Oklahoma's Dave Sieger reaches for the ball as Arizona's Joe Turner falls to the ground during the first half of their NCAA final four tournament semifinal game in Kansas City, Saturday, April 2, 1988.
Arizona vs. Oklahoma / 1988 NCAA Final Four
Arizona's Steve Kerr reaches for the ball as Oklahoma's Mookie Blaylock (10) presses from behind during the first half of their semifinal game at the final four tournament in Kansas City, Saturday, April 2, 1988.
Arizona vs. Oklahoma / 1988 NCAA Final Four
Arizona guard Steve Kerr looks for an outlet during the NCAA Final Four semi-final against Oklahoma on April 2, 1988, in Kansas City, Mo.
Arizona vs. Oklahoma / 1988 NCAA Final Four
Arizona's Sean Elliott shoots a jumper during the NCAA Final Four semi-final against Oklahoma on April 2, 1988, in Kansas City, Mo.
Arizona vs. Oklahoma / 1988 NCAA Final Four
The Arizona bench watches the clock tick down during the NCAA Final Four semi-final against Oklahoma on April 2, 1988, in Kansas City, Mo.
Arizona vs. Oklahoma / 1988 NCAA Final Four
Sean Elliott of Arizona, left, fights for a rebound during the NCAA Final Four semi-final against Oklahoma on April 2, 1988, in Kansas City, Mo.
Arizona vs. Oklahoma / 1988 NCAA Final Four
Arizona's Joe Turner battles for a rebound during the NCAA Final Four semi-final against Oklahoma on April 2, 1988, in Kansas City, Mo.
Arizona vs. Oklahoma / 1988 NCAA Final Four
Anthony Cook buries his head on Arizona's bench during the NCAA Final Four semi-final against Oklahoma on April 2, 1988, in Kansas City, Mo.
Rick Wiley
Photo editor
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