TUCSON, ARIZ. ? Arizona basketball coach Lute Olson said Thursday night he would extend his leave of absence through the end of this season, citing undisclosed family matters that require his attention. In a statement released by the university, Olson said he plans to return to coach the Wildcats for the 2008-09 season.

Athletic director Jim Livengood said assistant coach Kevin O’Neill would continue to serve as interim coach for the rest of this season.