This classic Kentucky basketball yearbook was from the 1984-85 preseason. The cover features head coach Joe B. Hall passing the ball on to the next generation of UK basketball stars in junior Kenny Walker and sophomore Winston Bennett. The Wildcats were coming off of a Final Four season and had graduated one of the most talented senior classes in the school's history. The 1984-85 season signaled the torch being passed from that class to the new stars of the Kentucky program.
The 1984-85 Kentucky Wildcats struggled to keep up with the successful pace of the previous year's team. The team finished the season with an 18-13 record. Notable wins during the 1984-85 season included those over then #11 Kansas and #17 N.C. State.
The 1984-85 Wildcats earned a #12 seed in the NCAA tournament. The team won two games in the NCAA Tournament and eventually lost to St. John's in the NCAA West Semifinals. The game against St. John's would end up becoming the last for legendary coach Joe B. Hall, who retired at the end of the season.
This core group of talent would go on to shine in the 1985-86 season, going 32-4 under new head coach Eddie Sutton. Walker would go on to become a First Team All-American and eventual NBA first round draftee. Bennet would become a first team All-SEC player as well. This classic UK basketball yearbook provides a great look back at these players, the uniform styles of the day and the final season of coach Joe B. Hall.
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