Legendary Cardinals coach Denny Crum dies at 86: All you need to know
The legendary coach of the Louisville Cardinals, Denny Crum, has passed away, the school has confirmed earlier. The details of his passing hasn't been released, but his history of having dealt with stroke over the years could have been the reason behind it. Crum was 86 years old before his passing.
Current head coach for the Cardinals, Kenny Payne, has released a statement regarding the news.
"Today is a sad day for me personally, as well as the basketball world."
My thoughts go through all the lessons that he taught, not just to me, but every player he ever came in contact with. Those lessons are still relevant today... We were so blessed to have him in our lives. He was a true treasure who gave so much to the university and the community. We must keep his memory alive. My prayers go out to his family and especially Susan.
"He is in a better place," Payne continued. "Rest in peace Coach. You touched so many. Well done."
Louisville Cardinals Coaching Legend Denny Crum Dead At 86 tmz.com/2023/05/09/lou…
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The University of Louisville honored the late great coach last year by renaming their athletic dorm
Denny Crum's impact will be felt by future generations as the University of Louisville honored him by renaming their athletic dorm after him. Last year, the school took the opportunity to pay tribute to Crum's work and legacy to their basketball culture during his 30-year run as their head coach.
Darrell Griffith, one of the standout players during Crum's time, talked about how the gesture was "way overdue." Griffith was present while the newly re-named residence was dedicated. Crum was able to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the facility.
"Coach is not gonna say a lot," Griffith said. "He’s a pretty modest guy. But deep down inside — in talking with Sue, his wife — this means a lot to him."
The Denny Crum Hall features a five-story, 67-unit facility that the men's and women's basketball squad will be residing in. Additionally, lacrosse players and other athletes will be able to call the dormitory home as they carry on their college lives at Louisville.
The hall is worth $23.5 million which was made possible by the partnership of U of L Athletics, U of L Campus Housing and a third-party developer including Buffalo Construction Inc. and Investment Property Advisors.
Griffith wasn't the only former Cardinals player to attend the dedication. Kenny Payne, who's the school's current coach, was present during the event.
"I'm a believer in, I want them to ask questions," Payne said. "But there will be days when I talk about the years that I was here, the years before me, the years after me and what [Crum] established, which is the foundation and the tradition of Louisville basketball."
Also read: Denny Crum coaching record: Looking at Louisville Hall of Fame coach's career