A HALL of Famer who was one of the “Fiddlin’ Five” has died aged 89.
Vernon Hatton was an All-America honoree and the leading scorer on Kentucky’s 1958 NCAA National Championship team.
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Hatton helped lead UK to the 1958 title, its fourth in school history, and averaged a team-high 17.1 points per game for the 23-6 squad.
He scored 30 points to guide UK past Elgin Baylor-led Seattle in the championship game.
The Lexington, Kentucky, native was tabbed All-America First Team by Converse Yearbook and the Helms Foundation in 1958.
He also was a member of the 1958 Final Four All-Tournament Team and the NCAA All-Regional Team.
Hatton was also an All-Southeastern Conference First Team selection by the league’s coaches and a second-team selection by the media.
Hatton scored 1,153 career points and averaged double-figure scoring in all three seasons of varsity basketball.
He hit one of the most memorable shots in program history sinking a 47-foot shot with one second remaining in overtime to force a second overtime vs. Temple, a game UK would eventually win in triple overtime.
He also hit a layup with 17 seconds left vs. Temple in the national semifinals for a one-point victory and a ticket to the championship game.
The Wildcats claimed the league crown in Hatton’s junior and senior seasons.
He was selected in the second round of the 1958 NBA Draft by the Cincinnati Royals and played four seasons in the NBA.
His No. 52 jersey hangs in the rafters in Rupp Arena as one of Kentucky’s retired jerseys and he was a part of the inaugural class for the UK Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005.
He attended Lafayette High School in Lexington and was the 1954 Kentucky Mr. Basketball.
His obituary read: “With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Vernon Hatton, beloved basketball legend, community leader, and treasured family man, who departed this life at the age of 89 on March 21 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
“Born on January 13, 1936, in Bath County, Kentucky, Vernon Hatton rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most celebrated figures in University of Kentucky basketball history.”
He is survived by his wife, Suzanne, and three sons Terry, Steve and Jeff.
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