TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) -- Former Arizona State assistant coach and radio analyst Russ Pennell is joining Lute Olson's staff at Arizona.

The 47-year-old Pennell comes to the Wildcats after spending the last two seasons running a basketball academy in the Phoenix area. He replaces Kevin O'Neill, who is leaving the program after serving as interim coach during Olson's leave of absence last season.

Pennell was part of Rob Evans' staff in Tempe from 1998-2006, and also worked for Evans at Mississippi. Earlier, he served on Eddie Sutton's Oklahoma State staff.

Olson still has one opening on his staff after Miles Simon's contract was not renewed last week.

© 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.