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Lute Olson has rarely spoken publicly since announcing his leave of absence Nov. 4. He has been quoted five times in the Star over the last 128 days — three of the statements were in news releases, and two came in-person. Here is a look at every statement the coach has made in the last 128 days:

Nov. 4

Olson announces a short-term leave of absence — not because of a "health scare," he says — through wife Christine's public relations firm.

"For the past 25 years, I have always given 110 percent to the team and this job," Olson said in the statement. "In light of this personal matter, I feel it is in the best interest of the team and University of Arizona to take a leave of absence. … This isn't a health scare but rather a personal matter that needs my undivided attention."

He ended by saying, "I want to thank everyone in advance for their support and prayers and request that the media respect my family's privacy during this time."

Nov. 26

Olson participates in a UA practice to "see how I feel on the court tonight."

Afterward, he tells team spokesman Richard Paige that "it was nice to be back; it was a good practice."

When asked the reason for his absence, Olson reiterates his stance taken Nov.4.

"I said there were personal matters to take care of," Olson says.

Dec. 6

In a statement, Olson announces a season-long leave of absence.

"After consultation with my family, I have decided to extend my leave of absence for the remainder of the current basketball season. I do this with great reluctance, because I care greatly about the University of Arizona, the basketball program and the players on this team. But there are personal issues within my family that need to be addressed, and I must devote my full energy to that.

"I plan to return to coach at the University of Arizona next year. In the meantime, my heart will be with the team, the coaches and staff. Our student-athletes are in great hands, and I wish them nothing but success with the remainder of the season.

"To our basketball fans and the community, I ask your patience in allowing me the time to attend to my personal situation. I am most grateful for the statements of support and prayers that have been offered and look forward to a return to more normal activities in the month ahead.

"Thank you again for your support and understanding."

Jan. 11

Reached at McKale Center, Olson says the Wildcats are slumping because of guard Jerryd Bayless' knee injury.

"I've talked with (assistants) Josh (Pastner) and Kevin (O'Neill) and Miles (Simon) just to make sure they're hanging in. It's so hard on Kevin, with Jerryd out, because he just doesn't have a lot of scoring options. That's the problem. They're playing great defense. But you can't lose your leading scorer and assist guy and not be hurt."

The UA had lost three of four — to Oregon, Arizona State and Memphis.

'You take a look at how close those games have been. Jerryd's presence gives them wins in every one of those cases."

Olson says he planned to coach the 2008-09 season but was trying to keep a low profile by watching games on television.

"I'm certainly not going to be around because I think it would be disruptive. I haven't gone to games. … I don't want to be disruptive to the team. But the nice thing is that I've been able to see every game, and I will continue to."

Monday

In a news release, Olson says his leave was necessitated "by a medical condition that was not life-threatening but serious enough to require time away from my coaching responsibilities."

Olson says: "I am eager to be back doing what I love, which is coaching this team. I appreciate everyone's support during this period and want to thank Kevin O'Neill for the great job he's done in my absence."

Olson adds that he wants to focus on the team's Pac-10 tournament and perhaps NCAA tournament chances.

"I know there has been a lot of speculation about my situation," he says. "I'm glad we can clear the air, but the most important thing right now is the team. All our effort and attention should be on these student-athletes and their effort to advance to the NCAA tournament."

— Patrick Finley