Arizona Wildcats take over NBA Finals
Jun 2, 2016, 3:52 PM
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.
