09-01-2020, 04:10 PM
(08-31-2020, 01:34 PM)Spiny_Norman Wrote:(08-30-2020, 09:51 AM)winflop Wrote:(08-29-2020, 05:24 AM)newguy Wrote: Mr. Olson was one helluva coach.
And by all accounts an even better human being.
#2 on the Mt Rushmore of P12 MBB HCs behind Wooden. Monty #3 and nobody else close
Cal fans might have something to say about their national championship coach, Pete Newell.
Pete Newell was not only a great coach, he was a great teacher. His Big Man Camp - back when a post was actually used, was legendary. Newell way more influential than Montgomery. Not even close, actually.
I went to an event in SF honoring Olson. Tolbert was the MC. Had some hilarious stories. By mere good fortune I sat next to Olson for the dinner. Gracious as could be. Arizona was undefeated and No 1 at the time (this was 2013 I think) Olson flat out said they were not a championship level team. Poor shooting would doom them. He was right. Cal beat them the next day.
I heard Tolbert talking about his recruiting prowess. Moms LOVED him. Jay Bills commented that he committed to Duke. But his Mom committed to Arizona. Very classy guy.