LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Vernon Hatton, a University of Kentucky Athletics Hall of Famer and member of the "Fiddlin Five," died Friday at the age of 89.
Hatton was the leading scorer for Kentucky's 1958 NCAA National Championship team at 17.1 points per game. He scored 30 points in the Wildcats' win over Seattle in the title game, the program's fourth at the time.
The Lexington native's No. 52 jersey hangs from the rafters in Rupp Arena.
"What an amazing trailblazer he is and what a great member of the BBN community," UK head coach Mark Pope said during a news conference earlier this week in Milwaukee. "He just is a beautiful human being and gave so much to this state and this community ..."
Hatton was taken with the ninth pick the 1958 NBA Draft by the Cincinnati Royals and played four years in the league.
He's survived by his wife and three sons.
Our condolences to the family, friends and teammates of the great Vernon Hatton - one of the “Fiddlin’ Five,” an All-America honoree and the leading scorer on the 1958 NCAA National Championship team.
— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) March 22, 2025
📰🔗 https://t.co/W3aS56A5ya pic.twitter.com/mKQlY18rqx
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