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Rupp’s Runts

runtsThe 1965-66 UK team earned this nickname because the tallest man among the Wildcats starting five was guard , at 6-5. Center , who worked his way into the starting lineup, was also 6-5, while forwards and Pat Riley were 6-4 and guard was 6-0. The team became one of Rupp's favorites during his long tenure at Kentucky. Before the season started, Rupp commented, “I honestly believe that man-for-man we just might have in the making a better team than we had in 1958, when we won the national championship.” The Runts did indeed turn out to be one of the outstanding teams in UK's glorious history, compiling a sparkling 27-2 record, but coming just one win shy of the NCAA title when upset by Texas Western (now UTEP) in the finals, 72-65. During the 1990-91 season, UK honored Rupp's Runts on the silver anniversary of their NCAA runner-up season.

Basketball starting five (“Rupp's Runts”) pose with coach after winning the NCAA Tournament Mideast Regional in Iowa City (84-77 over Michigan); pictured left to right are Larry Conley, Rupp, Tommy Kron, Thad Jaracz, , and Louie Dampier; Lexington Herald-Leader photo

University of Kentucky basketball coach Adolph Rupp posed with his returning starters in October 1965 prior to the 1965-66 season. From left are, Larry Conley, Louie Dampier, Pat Riley and Tommy Kron. This team would be known as Rupp's Runts and would lose the NCAA Championship game 72-65, to Texas Western (now UTEP). It was announced that Conley would be be honored at the 2016 Southeastern Conference Tournament as UK's SEC Basketball Legend. Herald-Leader Archive Photo

On This Day In UK Basketball History

On March 19, 1966, Pat Riley joined the 1,000-point club.  He did it in 54 games.

 

On March 19, 1966, in one of the biggest upsets in NCAA Tournament history, top-ranked UK, featuring “Rupp’s Runts,” loses in the NCAA Championship game, 72-65, to Texas Western.

 

On March 19, 1989, in the wake of an NCAA investigation, Eddie Sutton resigns as UK basketball coach.

 

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