Former UA stars, current players point to the coach as their guiding force

SAN ANTONIO - Forget about the whole NCAA Tournament for a moment.

Last night's 87-81 victory against Illinois was a celebration of Arizona basketball. Old friends came together, screamed until they were hoarse, and then cried a little.

It didn't really matter that they were Sean Elliott and Steve Kerr, two of the greatest players in Arizona basketball history and teammates on the San Antonio Spurs.

The two returned on afternoon flights following the team's loss to the Miami Heat to watch the closing moments of the Wildcats' win against the Illini from courtside seats.

UA head coach Lute Olson was the reason for both players' attendance. Kerr and Elliott remain close friends with the coach and his family.

Kerr, in fact, was with Olson's family as he cut down the nets in a post-game celebration.