Joe B. Hall’s first season as an assistant coach at the University of Kentucky was a memorable one. More than 50 years later, it’s a season he has never forgotten.
Hall, who went on to become coach of the Wildcats six years following the 1965-66 campaign, was ahead of the curve at the time and it was his devotion to a preseason conditioning program that helped Kentucky begin a memorable run that ended with a 72-65 loss Texas Western in the 1966 NCAA championship game.
Now, 50 years after the feat, the historical significance of the setback remains. Texas Western, now known as the University of Texas El-Paso, became the first all-black team to win the NCAA national championship. It also marked the last time late Hall of Fame coach Adolph Rupp reached the national championship game in his storied 41-year coaching career.
Flying under the radar following a 15-10 season the previous year, not much was expected from the Wildcats the following season. Maintaining a low profile, Kentucky, known as “Rupp’s Runts,” won its first 23 games that season before falling at Tennessee in the Southeastern Conference finale.
The stack of preseason victories included wins over Virginia, Texas Tech and a victory over Illinois in Champaign that set the tone for the remainder of the season.
“The year before was disappointing,” Hall said. “They re-dedicated themselves and they had great leadership.”
Despite a lack of size in the post with no player taller than 6-foot-5, the Wildcats, who finished 27-2 that season and overwhelmed opponents with their quickness and overall team chemistry. Hall said Kentucky made up for its lack of size “with ball handling, their teamwork and team play.”
“The team was dedicated, hard-working and it was an unselfish team,” Hall said. “They developed into one of the most unified forces that shared the ball unselfishly and devoted themselves to winning the game. They were extremely athletic, although they lacked in height.”
Hall said the Wildcats, led by Larry Conley, Pat Riley, Louie Dampier, Thad Jaracz and Tommy Kron, had no problem adapting to their roles in the team.
“They sacrificed themselves to develop a team unity and be the catalysts for teamwork,” Hall said. “They got the ball to Dampier, Riley and Jaracz. Whatever shot the team took, was the best they could find in any possession.
“They would turn down a 10-foot shot to get the ball to whoever was open under the basket. They moved the ball better than any team I had seen or have seen since.”
In addition to a near-flawless approach on offense, Hall said the Wildcats were successful with the man-to-man defense, mixed in with a 1-3-1 zone.
“The were excellent in executing (on defense),” Hall recalled.
Larry Conley, one of the starters on the squad, credited Hall for bringing the team together during preseason workouts.
“I’ve always credited Joe Hall as one of the main reasons we had the success that we had,” Conley said. “His introduction to a running program and his attention to detail, along with coach (Harry) Lancaster and coach (Adolph) Rupp, had a big deal to do with the success of the team that year. I credited him for a lot for what happened that season.”
Hall said many former players and coaches got together for a reunion in Nashville last summer for dinner, golf outing and a day of reminiscing.
“Everyone of the players (present) got up and talked and it was a great experience,” Hall said. “It was a great outing and they’re all successful businessmen.”
* A replay of the 1966 NCAA championship game between Kentucky and Texas Western will be aired at 9 p.m. Wednesday on ESPN.
Keith Taylor is a columnist and senior sports writer who covers University of Kentucky athletics for KyForward.com