"After consultation with my family, I have decided to extend my leave of absence for the remainder of the current basketball season. I do this with great reluctance, because I care greatly about the University of Arizona, the basketball program and the players on this team. But there are personal issues within my family that need to be addressed, and I must devote my full energy to that.

"I plan to return to coach at The University of Arizona next year. In the meantime, my heart will be with the team, the coaches and staff. Our student athletes are in great hands, and I wish for them nothing but success with the remainder of the season.

"To our basketball fans and the community, I ask your patience in allowing me the time to attend to my personal situation. I am most grateful for the statements of support and prayers that have been offered, and look forward to a return to more normal activities in the months ahead.

"Thank you again for your support and understanding."

That was Arizona head basketball coach Lute Olson, in a statement to the media last night.

My last blog reported that Olson was present at basketball practice. He was spotted giving the Wildcat big men a few pointers prior to their game against Cal-State Fullerton last Wednesday.

While my assumption at the time was that Olson would return to the sidelines that week, it proved to be a faulty one–and I sincerely apologize to anyone who may have been led to that conclusion by me.

So, it is done. Interim head coach Kevin O’Neill will continue in that position through the end of the 2007-08 season.

Does this move herald an immediate retirement by Lute?

A farewell tour next season, maybe?

Or perhaps the issue is less defined than that, and next year may NOT be Olson’s last?

Right now, my gut tells me the second option. But that choice is not up to me to decide.

Still, I am taking no chances and am beginning the long farewell for Lute Olson while there is still time.

And to the doubters who feel like this is it for Arizona’s living legend, no matter what he says to the contrary, let me assure them: Lute Olson is a man of privacy, but also a man of integrity.

If he makes a statement that he plans to return to coach at the University of Arizona next year, then Lute Olson will indeed return to coach Arizona next season.

Lute doesn’t lie to his fans. Never has. Never will.

I’m just so, so grateful to have been in the same room with he and O’Neill at the Cactus Classic last May. I was….so shy…so embarrassed in their presence…I couldn’t even look up to say two words to them.

But while it can still be stated, let me post it now: You have touched my life like nobody has, Coach O.

You have had such a positive influence, though you never knew it. You were like a second father that way.

Your final season will be a glorious sunset to an career nonpareil. I am glad to have followed your career, honored and thrilled to have met you, and privileged beyond all earthly measure to walk the paths you have walked–to be included in the class of your (to date ) champion.

You will always have at least one soldier fighting for you in all things, Coach. The light of greatness you have sparked at Arizona will always burn brightly in at least one spirit. God Bless.

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