Joe Hall, a legendary Kentucky basketball coach and Hall of Famer, died this week, according to a statement from Kentucky head coach John Calipari. Hall was 93 years old.
It is with great sadness we share the passing of the great Joe B. Hall. Our hearts are with the Hall family.
We love you, Joe B. pic.twitter.com/SahjbGOexb
— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) January 15, 2022
“Coach Joe B. Hall – my friend, my mentor, and an icon in our state and in our profession – passed away this morning,” Calipari said in a statement. “Joe B. Hall took over a program and carried on the winning tradition and legacy of excellence of Kentucky basketball.”
“Coach Hall made it the job it is today with his hard work, his ingenuity and his great basketball coaching. Coach Hall always met me with a smile, including two days ago when I went to see him and hold his hand. He understood everything that was said, and as I prayed for him, he squeezed my hand tight.”
Hall started his basketball career with the Wildcats as a player in 1948. He returned to Kentucky in 1965 as an assistant coach for the Wildcats, where he served under coach Adolph Rupp. Hall replaced Adolph Rupp in 1972 and guided the Wildcats for 13 years. In his time, he compiled a 297-100 record with 10 NCAA tournament appearances, three Final Fours and a national title in 1978.
“I fell in love with the Kentucky program before I came here as a student and played under coach Rupp, came back and assisted him for seven years,” Hall told The Associated Press in 2017. “I was infused with a spirit that made some players work harder. And I think it made me work harder.”
Hall also coached at Regis College in Denver and Central Missouri State. Hall had a 373-156 career coaching record.
Joe Hall will forever be remembered by the basketball community and the great achievements he had. May he Rest In Peace.