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Remembering Eddie Sutton
Eddie Sutton passed away on Saturday at the age of 84. He is the greatest coach to never win a national championship. The man who built the Arkansas basketball program. The man that gave Oklahoma State the greatest years in their program history. What Eddie Sutton did on the court and the legacy he left with his players will never be forgotten.
Many former players have spoken of their love and appreciation for Coach Sutton since his passing.
Former Arkansas Center Scott Hastings:
Sad night tonight! Lost an important man in my life. Taught me the game of basketball like no other, but more importantly helped me grow as a man! RIP coach sutton! I love you
— Scott Hastings (@ScottHastings) May 24, 2020
Former Arkansas Center Joe Kleine:
RIP Coach! You finally get to be with Patsy! Can’t thank you enough for everything. Guns Up and Whoo Pig Sooie one more time! Gods Speed! pic.twitter.com/q8e6V7HnCs
— Joe Kleine (@SlaterMoJoe) May 24, 2020
Current Arkansas assistant coach & Former Oklahoma St. guard Corey Williams:
My family and I want to express our condolences to the Sutton family. Coach Sutton was a special Coach, father figure, friend, and he will be forever missed!!! pic.twitter.com/TxPN1g6ZYI
— Corey Williams (@CoachWilliams12) May 24, 2020
Former Oklahoma St. Guard Doug Gottlieb on Instagram:
“I’m sorry we couldn’t get you your national championship. We all are. The Arkansas guys, the 92 & 94 teams (stacked),the 95 guys, my squad and the 04 team all feel this way. We wanted it for you, for our program, but mostly for you.”
What He Accomplished
- 806-326 record
- 3 Final Fours
- 9 conference regular season titles
- 7 conference tournament titles
- 8 conference Coach of the Year honors
- Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
At Arkansas
Eddie Sutton laid the foundation for Nolan Richardson to build a house on. Arkansas had been to 2 NCAA tournaments in the previous 25 years before Sutton was hired at Arkansas. He recorded a 260-75 record in 11 seasons at Arkansas with 9 straight NCAA Tournament appearances.
Future NBA Players that Sutton coached at Arkansas:
Sidney Moncrief
Ron Brewer
Alvin Robertson
Joe Kleine
Scott Hastings
Byron Irvin
Tony Brown
Darrell Walker
Andrew Lang
As a younger fan, I cannot thank Eddie Sutton enough for what he did for Arkansas basketball. Without him, it is doubtful Arkansas wins a national championship in 1994 and it is doubtful we have a need for Bud Walton Arena. Thank you, Eddie!