Kentucky Basketball Pioneer, Reggie Warford, Passes Away

Kentucky native Reggie Warford, a trailblazer in the history of the University of Kentucky’s men’s basketball team, died Thursday morning at his home at age 67.

Warford was the University’s first African-American player to play four seasons and graduate from Kentucky. His importance cannot be stressed enough, as Warford was a vital player in the total integration of the men’s basketball program.

While he was not the first black player for the University of Kentucky (Tom Payne), his impact was just as noticeable. Prior to his arrival, no African-American player had led Kentucky in scoring. Just two years after he graduated, Jack “Goose” Givens and several other black players led the Wildcats in scoring and ultimately won the 1978 National Championship.

Because of his trailblazing career, Warford’s impact will always be remembered and his legacy at UK is forever cemented.