Remembering the Legacy of Legendary Basketball Coach Denny Crum

Legendary basketball coach Denny Crum, who brought Louisville Cardinals basketball to prominence and national championship victories in 1980 and 1986, has died at 86. The news was confirmed by Kenny Klein, longtime UofL sports information director and close friend of the coach.

Crum began his career as a head coach with Louisville in 1971 and led the Cardinals to success until his retirement in 2001. As he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on Tuesday morning, Klein confirmed that Crum passed away at home.

Crum’s impact on the Louisville basketball program is undeniable and indelible. He brought a team to national prominence under his leadership and left Louisville with an astounding 675 wins in 30 seasons as head coach. His teams made the NCAA tournament 22 times, and won six Metro Conference titles and two national championships.

In 1980, Cr’s team famously defeated UCLA 59-54 to win the first-ever UofL basketball national championship. The program returned to the championship in 1986, when they defeated Duke 72-69.

Crum also led the Cardinals to nine Sweet Sixteen appearances, five Elite Eights and two Final Fours. He was three times named National Coach of the Year, received 10 Metro Conference Coach of the Year awards and was inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.

The loss of Coach Crum leaves a tremendous gap in the Louisville basketball program. His legacy will be remembered by generations of Cardinals fans and players, but his presence and spirit on the court cannot be replaced.

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