LEXINGTON, Ky. — Joe B. Hall, the former University of Kentucky basketball coach who led the Wildcats to their fifth NCAA championship in 1978, has died at age 93.
The Kentucky men's basketball head coach John Calipari shared the news on social media early Saturday morning.
It is with great sadness we share the passing of the great Joe B. Hall. Our hearts are with the Hall family.
— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) Jan. 15, 2022
We love you, Joe B. pic.twitter.com/SahjbGOexb
Calipari called Hall his "friend, mentor and icon" in a message on Twitter. "Joe B. Hall took over a program and carried on the winning tradition and legacy of excellence of Kentucky basketball," Calipari wrote.
Hall led Kentucky from 1972-1985, amassing a coaching record of 297-100 and nine NCAA tournament appearances.
Gov. Andy Beshear honored Hall with a message on social media, extending his sympathies to Hall's family after the "heartbreaking loss."
"Coach Joe B. Hall was not only a remarkable basketball legend, he was also a kind, generous leader who made an impact on his players and everyone who knew him," Beshear wrote.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell also offered condolences to Hall's family, remarking on Hall's impact on college basketball and the state of Kentucky.
"College basketball is part of Kentucky’s heritage," McConnell said in a statement to Spectrum News. "Coach Joe B. Hall led the University of Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball team for over a decade, winning the 1978 National Championship and earning a spot in the College Basketball Hall of Fame. Today, Big Blue Nation and all of Kentucky remembers Coach Hall, a man who distinguished himself here and around the globe for his leadership, his passion, and his philanthropy."
Hall was a Kentucky fan before he became a Kentucky legend. The Cynthiana native grew up cheering for Big Blue and played one year for the Cats in the 1940s, although he never scored a point.
He came back to graduate from UK in 1955 and returned again in 1965 as Adolph Rupp's top assistant. Seven years later, he took on the task of replacing Rupp — and satisfying the Big Blue Nation.
In 1978 he said, "Whenever we take the floor, it's with a feeling for all those people that I guide the Wildcats."
Hall guided the cats to six elite eights in his 13 years as coach. He made three final fours ... And most importantly, he won the 1978 National Championship.
Ultimately he won 75% of his games at Kentucky before retiring in 1985.
He later transitioned into a radio career, hosting a call-in show for over a decade with one-time rival Denny Crum.
When asked what he thought his legacy should be Hall said, "that joe hall came up from Cynthiana, took over this program and kept it where it should be. And that's all I want to do. If they can say I did well and kept Kentucky where it should be. And it should be on top."