It's not the players, nor the assistants, nor any other trumped up excuse, the problem is Lute Olson. It's his program, his coaches, his players, his scheme.
He's old and he's done. Right now, he's still getting good players. He just can't coach them well anymore.
He's old and he's done? Two years ago they were on the verge of another Final Four. The reality is that they made some bad choices in recruiting, had bad luck with injuries (Walters, Tangara, McClellan), didnt have many players that wanted to play defense, and a point guard who couldnt fill the bill.
If you really think his coaching is the problem, then I guess we can let it ride on next year. We arent going to be as talented as this year, will rely on a lot of freshman and inexperienced players, and play a more difficult schedule than this season. If UA can win 22 games next year, coaching is clearly not the problem.
I really find it hard to believe that people think Lute cant coach anymore. Usually those are the people who have never seen him coach in person (aka practice) or hear/see how he coaches during games. Its not the system, its not Lute, its not the assistants. The problem is that Arizona doesnt have many, and hasnt had many, mentally tough players over the past few years. If they are taken out of the game, they sulk. If they are pushed around they dont push back. If they have to play defense they dont try. Lastly they dont have anyone to lead the team.
I know it sounds like I am making a lot of excuses, but I know for a fact the problem isnt that Lute cant coach. There are other things that are hurting the program. Can they all be fixed by next season? Highly unlikely, but like I said... If Lute can win 22 games next year, he clearly isnt the problem, because this team is going to be similar to the 2000 team; led by freshman and inexperienced players.
I guess only time will tell, or in this case convince you, but Lute isnt the problem. Trust me.