Olson Has No Second Thoughts About Kentucky

Twice Arizona Coach Lute Olson was in contention for the same position at Kentucky-after his second season at Arizona (1984-85) and again in 1989. He visited the school the first time but did not the year Rick Pitino eventually was hired.

“The first one I spent a lot of time talking with their people. I was in the mix,” Olson said. “But in the end, I felt it was the best thing for [my family] to remain at Arizona.

“The second time I guess the turning point was my wife picked up two of the grandkids from school and they said something about ‘that’s ok if you and Papa Lute decide to go.’ While they’re saying it, they’ve got tears streaming down their face. That tugs at you . . . family has always been critical for us.”

Olson also doubted Kentucky fans wished he was the school’s coach.

“It’s obvious they got the right guy at the helm there, now,” he said. “Rick has done a better job, certainly than I could have, and probably a large number of coaches could have. So their choice was the right one.”

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Because Kentucky is near another national title and with a number of coaching positions possibly opening up in the NBA, Pitino has had to answer a number of questions about his future.

“[ESPN analyst] Digger Phelps said that I was going to the Lakers, and I don’t think anyone believes that anymore,” Pitino said. “What would be the motive to go somewhere else? I think Kentucky pays me well enough to stay at Kentucky.”

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Arizona freshman Mike Bibby has the NBA logo tattooed on his leg but may need to study its history a bit more. “It has the letters ‘NBA’ and that basketball guy--that [Paul] Westphal guy on it,” he said.