John Calipari shares heartfelt message honoring longtime Kentucky coach Joe B. Hall

Former Kentucky basketball head coach Joe B. Hall passed away on Saturday morning. Hall previously spent 13 years as Kentucky’s head coach, winning one national championship. Following the unfortunate news of Hall’s passing, current Kentucky head coach John Calipari shared a heartfelt message on his Twitter account.

“Coach Joe B. Hall – my friend, my mentor, and an icon in our state in our profession – passed away this morning,” Calipari started. Joe B. Hall took over a program and carried on the winning tradition and legacy of Kentucky basketball.

“Coach Hall made it the job it is today with his hard work, his ingenuity and his great basketball coaching.”

Coach Joe B. Hall – my friend, my mentor, and an icon in our state and in our profession – passed away this morning. Joe B. Hall took over a program and carried on the winning tradition and legacy of excellence of Kentucky basketball. pic.twitter.com/QirdXnAeMH

— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) January 15, 2022

Calipari said that he and Hall saw each other just two days ago, and like always, Hall greeted the Kentucky coach with a smile.

“Coach Hall always met me with a smile, including two days ago when I went to see him and hold his hand,” Calipari said. “He understood everything that was said, and as I prayed for him, he squeezed my hand tight.”

While Calipari and Kentucky now mourn the loss of Hall, he should also be celebrated. Calipari said that as Hall passed, he knew how much the Kentucky community appreciated him.

“Coach Hall is beloved by everyone,” Calipari said, with a picture of Hall in the Kentucky crowd attached. “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 on Hall, Kentucky

Hall took over as Kentucky’s head coach in the 2972-1973 season. That year, Kentucky went 20-8 and made it to the Elite Eight. The next season Kentucky missed the tournament, but that would be the final season without any accolades during Hall’s tenure. Kentucky went 26-5 in 1974-1975, losing in the championship game. The next season, the Wildcats won the NIT tournament.

Hall and Kentucky returned to big dance the following season, making an Elite Eight run in 1976-1977. In the 1977-1978 season, Hall led Kentucky to a national championship victory. After making the NIT the following season, Kentucky did not miss the tournament again under Hall.

In his career, Hall coached Kentucky to a 297-100 overall record. In his overall college basketball coaching career, he amassed 373 wins.