Adolph F. Rupp played for Phog Allen at Kansas. Later, Rupp, called "The Baron of Bluegrass", became legendary for combing the hills of Kentucky to find great local talent that he could mold into winners. With 80% of his players at the University of Kentucky hailing from the bluegrass state, Rupp's fine teams were truly "home-grown." Rupp won 876 games in his 41 years of coaching. He promoted a sticky man-to-man defense and a relentless fast break offense that battered opponents into defeat. His teams appeared in 20 NCAA tournaments and captured 27 Southeastern Conference titles. Rupp demanded every single ounce out of his players, driving them to extraordinary accomplishments. He coached the Wildcats to an NIT championship in 1946 and NCAA Championships in 1948, 1949, 1951, 1958. Rupp was a four-time National and SEC Coach of the Year and Co-coached U.S. Olympic team in 1948.

Died December 10, 1977