John Calipari and Kentucky basketball legends remember coach Joe B. Hall

  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.
  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.

LEXINGTON - Beloved Kentucky basketball coach Joe B. Hall died Saturday at 93. Soon after his death was confirmed by the UK athletics department, well wishes and condolences began flooding in from around the basketball world.

"Every time I see him, he has a smile on his face," Kentucky coach John Calipari said of Hall after visiting him on his 93rd birthday in November. "And everybody talks about how rough and tough he was as a coach -- Like, 'He was mean. I swear to you,' -- I’ve never seen him without a smile on his face."

Here is a sampling of some of fans, players and coaches had to say about the coach who led Kentucky to the 1978 national championship and helped fully integrate the men's basketball program.

UK coach John Calipari

"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. Coach Hall is beloved by everyone. What makes me happy on this extremely somber day is that before he left this earth, he knew how much all of us appreciated and loved him. I would ask that everyone keep him and his family in your prayers. I love you, Coach."

More: Former Kentucky basketball coach Joe B. Hall, who led Cats to 1978 title, dies at 93

Former Wildcat Mike Pratt

"Special person & coach Joe B Hall !! Thank you for bringing me to UK and being a friend afterwards! RIP Coach Joe."

Former Wildcat Roger Harden

"BBN, nobody gave their heart & soul to UKBB like Coach Hall. He loved the BBN and was a proud Kentuckian. An honor to play for him and will miss my life long friend. He was the only friend I ever needed. Thank you Coach & by profession in Christ rest til we meet again."

Kentucky basketball: Giving Joe B. Hall 'proper respect' for integrating UK basketball part of Rupp Arena debate

UK President Eli Capilouto

"Some people are larger than life. Others make life larger and better for all of us. In a life that knew the biggest of victories on the biggest of stages, Joe B. Hall did both. He helped coach some of the greatest figures in college sports, won championships and helped expand and enlarge the greatest tradition in college basketball. That’s the Joe B. Hall we all admired. The Joe B. Hall I was privileged to know was gentle and kind, unfailingly gracious and big-hearted. He told warm and funny stories, always made time for anyone and treated them all – no matter their station or walk of life - with respect and dignity. We lost a Kentucky basketball great. More importantly, we lost a great man, who lived a wonderfully big and loving life. We are deeply sad today with his passing, but much better for his living and what he gave to all of us as Kentuckians."

Gov. Andy Beshear

"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. Britainy and I extend our deepest sympathies to Coach Hall’s family as they mourn this heartbreaking loss."

Cats' Pause founder Oscar Combs

"Personally, his friendship over the past 50+ years was always there from the 1960s to this day. Joe B. loved being around people and talking anything from fishing to history, but most of all, he loved seeing Kentuckians proud of UK basketball. Love you Joe B. Gonna miss you."

UK athletic director Mitch Barnhart

"Coach Joe B. Hall is an iconic figure in our state and was our greatest link to the history and tradition of Kentucky basketball. The impact he made on our program, the University and the Commonwealth cannot be overstated. As a native of Cynthiana, he lived the dream of being a Wildcat as a player, assistant coach and head coach while leading us to many of the greatest moments in our history. He understood what it meant to the Commonwealth— he loved the University, Kentucky basketball and the people of Kentucky.

"After retiring from coaching, Coach Hall stayed close to the program, continuing to live here and giving back so much to our community. Representing this place was immensely important to him. He supported everyone in the Kentucky coaching chair and had a special bond with Coach Calipari, whom he embraced from day one and I know will dearly miss Coach Hall’s insight and wisdom. Our deepest condolences are with his family, friends and all who knew him throughout the Big Blue Nation."

This story will be updated.

Email Jon Hale at jahale@courier-journal.com; Follow him on Twitter at @JonHale_CJ.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Joe B. Hall: Kentucky basketball legends remember former coach