Twitter Reacts to Reports Of Lute Olson in Hospice Care

The Twittersphere is reacting to news reports that beloved former Arizona basketball coach Lute Olson is reportedly receiving hospice care. 

Arizona Daily Star Sports Columnist Greg Hason tweeted prayers for Olson would be welcomed by the Hall of Fame coach while commenting on how he is "in the fight of his life" and ESPN Tucson radio host Justin Speers tweeted "He is easily the most beloved person in Tucson."

If you believe in the power of prayer, your positive thoughts would be welcomed by Lute Olson. The Tucson legend is in the fight of his life.

— Greg Hansen (@ghansen711) August 25, 2020

Lute Olson is Arizona basketball. Lute is Tucson. Didn’t matter what side of town you grew up on, Foothills or the South Side, he brought so many Tucsonans together every year with his teams. He is easily the most beloved person in Tucson.

I’m in disbelief right now.

— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) August 26, 2020

The 85-year-old coaching legend suffered a stroke in February 2019 and rarely has been seen in public since.

Olson is the most successful basketball coach in UA athletics history since arriving in the Old Pueblo in 1983. During his time, he led the Wildcats to an NCAA national championship in 1997, three NCAA Final Four appearances, 22 NCAA Tournament appearances and won 11 Pac-10 championships before retiring in 2008.

UA Football defensive coordinator Chuck Cecil tweeted his support for Olson during this time.

Many prayers for my friend and fellow Wildcat Lute Olson. We love you Coach. 🙏🏼 #BearDown

— Chuck Cecil (@chuckcecil26) August 26, 2020

Wildcats Radio 1290 assistant program director and co-host Michael Luke tweeted the station would not be discussing Olson's health until a statement from the family is released.

Regarding Lute Olson:
On 1290, we won't be addressing the rumors about Coach's health.
This is, and always should have been a private matter for the family and we will continue to respect those wishes.
When, and if, there is a statement released we will address it.
-Mike

— WildcatsRadio1290 (@Wildcats1290) August 26, 2020

Olson even got some love and support from the voice of his biggest advesary—the ASU Sun Devil nation. ASU announcer Tim Healey commented about the coach's graciousness when interviewed on Healey's pre-game show years back.

Prayers up from Sun Devil Nation for Hall-of-Fame former UA MBB coach Lute Olson. Lute was always gracious with his time visiting with me for pregame interviews when ASU played his Wildcats. The 1990’s Bank One commercials with Lute & Bill Frieder were TV classics! pic.twitter.com/VEtXAI1idP

— Tim Healey (@TimHealeyASU) August 26, 2020

 
One Olson fan's tweet sums up how we're all feeling right now.

Man. Don’t take Lute Olson. Fuck 2020. 😪

— Michael Evenchik (@Jewlympian) August 25, 2020