Sad news for the legendary basketball program of Louisville since his most emblematic coach, Denny Crumdied on Tuesday, at the age of 86 (1937-2023).
Hired at the head of the Cardinals in 1971, he came out of four seasons as an assistant in the staff of John Wooden at UCLA, where he was notably the main architect behind the recruitment of Bill Walton.
The man nicknamed “Cool Hand Luke” for his legendary calm will remain in office for 30 years, for a record of six “Final Four”, punctuated by two titles in 1980 then 1986. To succeed him, the management had put the hand on another legend: Rick Pitino.
Hall of Famer
National Champion
LegendBut to so many, he was so much more.
There will never be another like Coach Crum. pic.twitter.com/Iihb8aPE82
— Louisville Men’s Basketball (@LouisvilleMBB) May 9, 2023
” Today is a sad day for me personally, but also for the world of basketball » said Kenny Payne, current Louisville coach and former program player under Denny Crum (1985-1989). ” He taught me so many things, and everyone who played for him. »
Becoming the second fastest coach in NCAA history to reach 500 career wins in 1993, Denny Crum ended his career in 2001 with a record of 675 wins and 295 losses with Louisville.
