Reggie Warford, the second African-American varsity basketball player to play for Kentucky, died on Thursday morning. We send our heartfelt sympathies to Reggie Warford’s family in this difficult time.
Warford was the first African-American basketball player to attend Kentucky for four years and graduate.
He came to campus in 1972, two years after Tom Payne broke the program’s color barrier. Payne only stayed in the UK for one season.
Reggie Warford Obituary
Warford, recruited to come to Kentucky after playing at Drakesboro High School in Muhlenberg County, died after a struggle with multiple ailments. He was 67 years old.
Over the prior decade, Warford had faced various health difficulties, having multiple organ transplants. In 2014, Reggie received a heart transplant, and in 2017, he received kidney transplants.
During his recovery from the transplants, he acquired sarcopenia, a neuromuscular illness that causes muscle mass and strength loss, according to a 2019 WKYT report.
John Calipari, the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, was one of the first to get the news this morning.
UK coach John Calipari tweeted on Thursday, “I know how much Reggie meant to Kentucky and how he influenced others.” “Reggie and I met at Pitt in the 1980s and have remained pals ever since. I’ll miss my brother, Reggie, and may God bless you.”
Meet Reggie Warford’s Wife Marisa And Sons Grant & Tyler
Reggie is survived by his wife, Marisa, and sons, Grant and Tyler. He has kept his family away from the media.
Warford came to the University of Kentucky as a basketball neophyte. He grew raised in Drakesboro, a Muhlenberg County village of around 800 people. Drakesboro High School got to the 3rd Region finals in 1971, giving him his big break as a basketball star.
Howard Garfinkel, a nationally recognized basketball prospect evaluator, happened to be in attendance.
Warford was the first recruit signed by Joe B. Hall when he replaced Adolph Rupp as Kentucky coach in 1972. He had originally committed to Austin Peay in high school.
Warford was a second-team All-State selection senior at Drakesboro High School, averaging 26 points per game.
Reggie Warford Net Worth At Death
Reggie Warford was the first Black basketball player to attend Kentucky for four years and have a successful career.
The player’s net worth has not been revealed, but it is believed to be millions.
From 1972 through 1976, Warford was a 6’1″ guard who appeared in 50 games for the Wildcats, earning 206 points.
His senior year was his greatest, as he appeared in 28 games and scored 182 points while shooting 47 percent from the field and 73 percent from the free-throw line.
Warford then became an assistant coach at Pittsburgh, Iowa State, and Long Beach State and the Harlem Globetrotters’ head coach in 2003.