52 Vernon Hatton

Vernon Hatton was born Walter Vernon Hatton on January 13, 1936, in Owingsville, Kentucky to Dawson Hatton and Rebecca Boswell Ginter Hatton.  Hatton was a standout guard for the University of Kentucky Wildcats in the late 1950s, known for his leadership, scoring ability, and clutch performances. He became a key figure in Kentucky basketball history under the legendary coach Adolph Rupp.

Hatton played for the Wildcats from 1955 to 1958, earning a reputation as one of the team’s most reliable and talented players. During his senior season (1957-58), he led the Wildcats to a national championship, playing a crucial role in guiding Kentucky to its fourth NCAA title. He was a consensus All-American that season, solidifying his place among the program’s all-time greats.

Hatton was a former local high school standout at Lafayette High School in Lexington, where he tallied 1,059 points over three years.  In addition to being a two-time All-State choice, the local lad was named to Chuck Taylor’s All-America team following an outstanding performance in the annual North-South cage classic at Murray, Kentucky after his high school graduation.

Hatton almost didn’t play for Kentucky at all.  He initially committed to play for Kentucky in 1954 but announced on August 19, 1954, that he had accepted a scholarship to play for coach Paul McBrayer at Eastern Kentucky University.  “I think I’ll like it better at a smaller school,” explained Hatton.  On September 9, 1954, Hatton changed his mind again and announced that he would play at Kentucky.

Hatton led the freshman team in scoring in 1954-55.

He was named the SEC’s Sophomore of the Year by coaches in 1955-56.

Hatton missed nearly a month of action in January of 1957 in the middle of his junior year due to appendicitis.

One of his most memorable moments came in a game against Temple in December 1957, when Hatton hit an iconic 47-foot buzzer-beater to send the game into overtime, where Kentucky eventually secured the win. That shot remains one of the most legendary moments in UK basketball history.

During the 1957-58 championship season, Hatton led Kentucky in scoring, averaging 17.1 points per game. His leadership and clutch performances helped Kentucky finish the season 23-6 and defeat Seattle University, led by future NBA legend Elgin Baylor, in the NCAA title game.

Following his college career, Vernon Hatton was selected by the Cincinnati Royals (now the Sacramento Kings) in the first round of the 1958 NBA Draft. He played professionally in the NBA from 1958 to 1962, spending time with the Royals and the Philadelphia Warriors.

After his playing career, Hatton remained a beloved figure in Kentucky basketball lore. His contributions to the Wildcats’ storied history, particularly his leadership in the 1958 NCAA Championship run, cement his legacy as one of the most important players in program history.

His No. 52 jersey hangs in the rafters in Rupp Arena as one of Kentucky’s retired jerseys and he was a part of the inaugural class for the UK Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005.

He attended Lafayette High School in Lexington and was the 1954 Kentucky Mr. Basketball.

Vernon Hatton passed away on March 21, 2025, at the age of 89.