Basil Hayden

 
Position: Guard / Forward
Height: 5-11
Weight: 165
Date of Birth: May 19, 1899
Hometown: Paris,

 

 Basil Hayden 
 Games
Played		Total
Points
1919-2012133
1920-2114136
1921-221364
Total39333

has the distinction of being basketball’s first All-American. He also has the distinction of being the coach with the last losing record at Kentucky before Adolph Rupp took over as head coach. His playing career began in 1919 and concluded in 1922. Over those playing years Hayden helped lead to a record of 28 wins and 14 losses.

 

He was also a key performer on the 1920-21 team that finished with a 13-1 record and won Kentucky’s first ever tournament championship.  Hit a crucial game-tying basket in the Cats’ 20-19 championship game win over in the 1921 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association Tournament.  Averaged 9.6 points a game for that club.  Suffered a knee injury prior to the 1921-22 season but still managed to average 5 points per game.  Coached at High School and Wesleyan College before returning to as coach of the 1926-27 team.

 

The University of would retire a jersey in his honor.