Photo: CoachCal.com
Kentucky legend Wallace “Wah Wah” Jones passed away today at the age of 88.
Jones was born in Harlan, Kentucky on July 14th in 1926 and went on to be one of the greatest athletes in University of Kentucky history.
He played for legendary coaches Adolph Rupp and Paul “Bear” Bryant and is the only player to have his number retired for both basketball and football as a Wildcat.
He helped lead the Fabulous Five to consecutive NCAA Championships in 1948 and 1949.
He also has a gold medal from the 1948 Olympics as he and his Fabulous Five teammates and the Phillip 66ers won in London.
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Oscar Combs has tweeted several thoughts about the great Wah Wah Jones:
Wah, who was “Pride & Joy” of Harlan & eastern Ky in 1940s, was the ultimate multi-sport athlete in football, baseball, baseball & track.
— Oscar Combs (@wildcatnews) July 27, 2014
With Wah’s passing, the end of UK’s Fabulous Five era is now in the history books.
— Oscar Combs (@wildcatnews) July 27, 2014
Coach Cal also tweeted about the Kentucky great:
Sad to hear of the passing of arguably the greatest UK athlete, Wah Wah Jones. He was an All-American under Adolph Rupp and Bear Bryant.
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) July 27, 2014
#BBN, please join me in praying for both his family and friends. He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/jaPX7mzI97
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) July 27, 2014
Rest in Peace to a true Kentucky Legend.
