James R. “Jim” Line, 87, who played on two University of Kentucky men’s basketball championship teams, died Thursday at his home in Russell, Kan. He had battled dementia, said his daughter Meridy Barnes. Mr. Line was a forward who played four years, from the 1946-47 season to 1949-50, under Coach Adolph Rupp.
The Wildcats earned their first national championship — led by the Fabulous Five — in 1948 and repeated the performance in 1949.
Mr. Line scored 1,041 points and played in 135 games during his career.