Adolph Rupp (1901-1977)

Adolph Rupp was born September 2, 1901 in rural Halstead, Kansas. Rupp played basketball under early coaching legend Forrest "Phog" Allen at the University of Kansas, 1919-1923. He came to UK in 1930, following a string of coaches who had led the team to varying levels of success. Rupp's fast-paced style of play proved a winning strategy, leading his teams to four NCAA titles (1948, 1949, 1951, 1958), one NIT championship (1946), an Olympic gold medal (1948), and 27 SEC titles. At the time of his retirement in 1972, Rupp held the record for the most victories in the NCAA Division I category. Also known as the "Baron of Basketball" and the "Man in the Brown Suit," Rupp's name is now synonymous with UK basketball history, and the Wildcat's home court, Rupp Arena, was named in his honor in 1976. Four-time winner of "National Coach of the Year," seven-time winner of "SEC Coach of the Year," and Naismith Hall of Fame inductee, Adolph Rupp died December 11, 1977, and is buried in the Lexington Cemetery.

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