Photos: Arizona Wildcats vs. Oklahoma in 1988 NCAA Final Four
- Rick Wiley
Rick Wiley
Photo editor
- Updated
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
Updated
Arizona's Sean Elliott shoots a jumper during the NCAA Final Four semi-final against Oklahoma on April 2, 1988, in Kansas City, Mo.
Elizabeth Mangelsdorf / Arizona Daily StarArizona vs. Oklahoma / 1988 NCAA Final Four
Updated
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.
Elizabeth Mangelsdorf / Arizona Daily StarArizona vs. Oklahoma / 1988 NCAA Final Four
Updated
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.
Elizabeth Mangelsdorf / Arizona Daily StarArizona vs. Oklahoma / 1988 NCAA Final Four
Updated
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.
Elizabeth Mangelsdorf / Arizona Daily StarArizona vs. Oklahoma / 1988 NCAA Final Four
Updated
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.
Elizabeth Mangelsdorf / Arizona Daily StarArizona vs. Oklahoma / 1988 NCAA Final Four
Updated
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.
Elizabeth Mangelsdorf / Arizona Daily StarArizona vs. Oklahoma / 1988 NCAA Final Four
Updated
Arizona's Sean Elliott drives during the NCAA Final Four semi-final against Oklahoma on April 2, 1988, in Kansas City, Mo.
Elizabeth Mangelsdorf / Arizona Daily StarArizona vs. Oklahoma / 1988 NCAA Final Four
Updated
Arizona's Anthony Cook shoots a jumper during the NCAA Final Four semi-final against Oklahoma on April 2, 1988, in Kansas City, Mo.
Elizabeth Mangelsdorf / Arizona Daily StarArizona vs. Oklahoma / 1988 NCAA Final Four
Updated
Arizona forward Jud Buechler reacts during the NCAA Final Four semi-final against Oklahoma on April 2, 1988, in Kansas City, Mo.
Elizabeth Mangelsdorf / Arizona Daily StarArizona vs. Oklahoma / 1988 NCAA Final Four
Updated
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.
John Gaps / Associated PressArizona vs. Oklahoma / 1988 NCAA Final Four
Updated
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.
Susan Ragan / Associated PressArizona vs. Oklahoma / 1988 NCAA Final Four
Updated
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.
Elizabeth Mangelsdorf / Arizona Daily StarArizona vs. Oklahoma / 1988 NCAA Final Four
Updated
Arizona's Sean Elliott shoots a jumper during the NCAA Final Four semi-final against Oklahoma on April 2, 1988, in Kansas City, Mo.
Elizabeth Mangelsdorf / Arizona Daily StarArizona vs. Oklahoma / 1988 NCAA Final Four
Updated
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.
Elizabeth Mangelsdorf / Arizona Daily StarArizona vs. Oklahoma / 1988 NCAA Final Four
Updated
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.
Elizabeth Mangelsdorf / Arizona Daily StarArizona vs. Oklahoma / 1988 NCAA Final Four
Updated
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.
Elizabeth Mangelsdorf / Arizona Daily StarArizona vs. Oklahoma / 1988 NCAA Final Four
Updated
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.
Elizabeth Mangelsdorf / Arizona Daily StarRick Wiley
Photo editor
As featured on
Sean Miller said the Wildcats are "elated" Lorenzo Romar was hired to be Pepperdine's head coach.
The west-side kid and Cholla High School Charger grew to become the Pac-10's all-time leading scorer.
For Star subscribers: Tucson had never felt that way about a basketball team — about any team.
More information
- Greg Hansen: Whether you're beachside or in Boise, March message is the same: Win
- Start your bracket now! Download the Star's 2018 NCAA Tournament sheet
- Watch: 9 best things Rawle Alkins and Sean Miller said in Arizona Wildcats' press conference
- Photos: Steve Kerr and the Golden State Warriors celebrate 3rd championship
View this profile on Instagram#ThisIsTucson 🌵 (@this_is_tucson) • Instagram photos and videos
Most viewed stories
-
Save the date! Here's the ultimate list of Tucson holiday events 🎄
-
Where to get your tamales this holiday season, recommended by our readers
-
17 festive holiday markets that support Tucson artisans
-
28 things to do in Tucson this Thanksgiving weekend, November 28-30! 🦃🍁
-
A large list of fun and festive events in December! 🎄❄️
-
These local restaurants are serving up delicious turkey dinners this Thanksgiving 🍗
-
Get fresh bread and flaky, buttery croissants at the MSA Annex's new micro-bakery 🥖
-
30 fun events happening this weekend, November 21-23!
-
36 fun and free events happening this November! ✨



