Arizona Wildcats take over NBA Finals

As the NBA Finals tips off in northern California Thursday night, there is an Arizona feel to this year’s championship series.

The University of Arizona has a total of seven alumni that are coming into the Finals looking to add a championship to their resumes.

The Golden State Warriors not only have a player in the Finals in Andre Iguodala (2002-04), but also have three coaches who played for UA in head coach Steve Kerr (1983-88), assistant coach Luke Walton (1998-2003) and assistant coach for player development Bruce Fraser (1984-87).

Golden State’s opponents, the Cleveland Cavaliers, have three Wildcat alums of their own with Channing Frye (2001-05) and Richard Jefferson (1998-2001) playing for the Cavs, while Bret Brielmaier (2004-06) is on the bench as an assistant coach.

Lute Olson, former UA coach of 25 years, has a connection with all of the players and coaches in the Finals this year as he recruited each of them during his tenure in Tucson.

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