Kentucky has always been in Joe B. Hall’s “makeup.” Born in Cynthiana in 1928, Hall always had a dream to be involved with Kentucky basketball. His dream was realized in 1948, when he wore the UK jersey for half a season, before transferring to Sewanne for more playing time. “I had the opportunity to go onto the floor with Kentucky on my chest, come out of the portal in the old Alumni Gym, with the band playing ‘On On U of K,’” he said. “Kentucky was deep in my heart.” After his career as a player, Hall came back to UK first as an assistant coach and eventually as head coach. From leading the 1978 men’s basketball team to a national championship as head coach to stopping by his hometown’s local gym during his retired life and offering a few pointers to aspiring young players, Hall has ingrained himself into Kentucky history and basketball culture.
Reporting and photos By Michael Clubb | Copy by Bailey Vandiver
Joe B. Hall cracks a smile after hearing a joke during his weekly gathering with the “Lunch Bunch” at Immanuel Baptist Church’s ROC Cafe on Friday, Feb. 22, 2019, in Lexington, Kentucky.
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Joe B. Hall looks up at his mural located in downtown Cynthiana, Kentucky, on Monday, March 11, 2019. Hall said he “couldn’t have asked for a better childhood” in Cynthiana. “The people in Cynthiana are extremely proud of him,” said Hall’s lifelong friend Mary Lu. In addition to the mural, Hall has a bridge and a court named after him.
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Joe B. Hall walks by his 1978 National Championship trophy in Memorial Coliseum on Friday, Feb. 22, 2019, in Lexington, Kentucky. Under the leadership of Coach Hall, the Kentucky men’s basketball team won its fifth NCAA championship. Hall also won Coach of the Year that season.
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Biancke’s Restaurant waitress Tara Burns greets Joe B. Hall as he walks in to buy some pie in Cynthiana, Kentucky, on Monday, March 11, 2019. Biancke’s is the most famous restaurant in Cynthiana, according to Hall. Hall’s visit to Biancke’s that day earned him a post on the restaurant’s Facebook page and inspired a giveaway of a coconut pie, which is his favorite.
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Joe B. Hall laughs with Immanuel Baptist Church’s lead pastor Ray Green at Immanuel Baptist Church on Friday, Feb. 22, 2019, in Lexington, Kentucky. Hall goes to Immanuel Baptist Church about four times a week to have lunch with his friends, nicknamed “The Lunch Bunch.” He often goes to Kentucky basketball practice after lunch.
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Joe B. Hall watches seventh grader Cayden Boyers’s shot at the Cynthiana Harrison County Sports Center in Cynthiana, Kentucky, on Monday, March 11, 2019. Hall couldn’t resist giving Boyers a few pointers, such as a tip to “tuck that elbow.” Boyers, who is a cousin of UK men’s basketball commit Dontaie Allen, is in seventh grade and wears a size 16 shoe. “It’s such a joy working with young kids,” Hall said. Hall said coaching is what he was meant to do. “I never worked a day in my life,” he said.
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Joe B. Hall talks with head coach John Calipari during UK basketball practice at the Joe Craft Center in Memorial Coliseum on Friday, Feb. 22, 2019 in Lexington, Kentucky. Hall, who sometimes attends up to three UK basketball practices a week, said he really likes Calipari’s practices because “he is coaching every minute that the practice goes on.” Hall said he and Calipari have a very good relationship, and that he backs him “100 percent.”
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Joe B. Hall looks at his dog Penny, a golden doodle, in the living room of his home in Lexington, Kentucky, on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. Penny’s full name is Luckypenny, which is “ironic,” Hall said, because Coach Adolph Rupp was always looking for a lucky penny. Penny is almost two years old, and she’s been Hall’s “partner” since she was five months old. Penny likes to watch National Geographic and jumps at the television screen when something excites her.
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Joe B. Hall shakes hands with UK’s mascot, Scratch, during UK’s basketball game against Auburn in Rupp Arena on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019, in Lexington, Kentucky.
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