Report: Reggie Warford, Kentucky basketball legend, passes away at 67

Kentucky lost one of the truly transformational human beings in program history on Thursday, as Reggie Warford passed away at 67, according to Jerry Tipton of the Lexington Herald Ledger.

“Reggie Warford, a transformational figure in the history of the University of Kentucky’s men’s basketball program, died Thursday morning. He was 67. Warford died at home surrounded by family after battling numerous health problems in recent years,” wrote Tipton.

Warford played for Kentucky from 1972-1976 under the late Joe B. Hall in his first four seasons after taking over for Adolph Rupp. The Drakesboro, Kentucky native didn’t contribute much to the Wildcats efforts on the court until his senior season, where he took over the starting point guard position, leading the ‘Cats to a respectable 20-10 record.

However, the impact he could never be measured by basketball statistics. As Tipton mentions, Warford was the first Black player to have a four-season career and graduate, keying the full integration of the Wildcats program.

After generations of Kentucky having a predominantly White team, the Wildcats would win the national championship two years after Warford graduated and changed the game, with a team featuring six Black players across their top 11 scorers.

“I’m sort of the patriarch,” Warford said last year, per Tipton.

On Wednesday, Kentucky coach John Calipari revealed he reached out to Warford earlier this week, recognizing the legend and asking for prayers on Twitter.

“Talked to Reggie Warford last night,” Calipari wrote. “Had communion for him at mass this morning. A great husband, great father, a great man and a great friend to many. A battler!!! He’s my brother. #BBN say a prayer for him!!”

After the news broke on Thursday, a heartbroken Calipari took to Twitter to share his condolences, and remember his “brother.”

“Reggie Warford passed away this morning at home surrounded by his loving family. I know how much Reggie meant to Kentucky & how he inspired others. Reggie and I worked together at Pitt in the 80s and have remained friends. I’m going to miss my brother, may God bless you Reggie,” tweeted Calipari.

According to Tipton, Reggie Warford is survived by his wife, Marisa, and sons Grant and Tyler. Our prayers are with the Warford family as they deal with this difficult time.