Media, Basketball World Reacts to Passing of Denny Crum

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The godfather of Louisville men's basketball is no longer with us.

Denny Crum, the Hall of Fame head coach who elevated the Cardinals to a national power, passed away on Tuesday. He was 86.

An assistant coach under the legendary John Wooden, Crum left the West Coast to take the Louisville job in 1971, where he would remain until his retirement in 2001. During his 30-year tenure in the Derby City, he collected a 675-295 overall record, and led the Cardinals to 23 NCAA Tournament appearances, six Final Fours, as well as the 1980 and 1986 national championships.

Ever since the preliminary reports of Crum's passing were published, there has been no shortage of reactions from those with connections to Louisville, in college basketball media, and others in the world of basketball.

Here's a sampling of what they had to say:

Louisville Men's Basketball Head Coach Kenny Payne

We were so blessed to have Coach Crum in our lives. Rest in peace Coach. pic.twitter.com/I1jpmf2L04
— Kenny Payne (@coachkennypayne) May 9, 2023

Former Louisville Sport Information Director Kenny Klein

It was an honor to work 18 years with such an icon for our basketball program, university & the entire Louisville community. Coach Crum was a winner as a coach, but also a champion as a person, a gentleman who was kind, generous and eager to offer his time to help others #RIP pic.twitter.com/cew9YbP1Dn
— Kenny Klein (@KKcards) May 9, 2023

Current Louisville Sport Information Director Zach Greenwell

As a boy who sat in Freedom Hall and cheered on this man's teams, who got star struck every time he walked into Mike Linnig's, whose entire family revered him – today is heartbreaking.

Getting to spend time with Coach this year is one of the greatest gifts this job has given me. pic.twitter.com/wMmtWXY2v8
— Zach Greenwell (@zach_greenwell) May 9, 2023

Former Louisville Athletic Director Vince Tyra

I needed Coach Crum’s advice against ⁦@lukeskywalka11⁩ but used his advice more in my role as AD.Cherished our friendship and the respect he showed my father and our family.He loved UofL and our city.His legacy and records remain. ❤️ to Susan and the Crum family.@gocards pic.twitter.com/qVj5ubN2Sg
— Vince Tyra (@vincetyra) May 9, 2023

ESPN College Basketball Analyst Jay Bilas

RIP to the legendary Louisville coach Denny Crum. Coach Crum was a brilliant coach, teacher, and competitor, and one of the finest gentlemen and champions the game has ever known. Denny Crum will always be Louisville Basketball. #RIP pic.twitter.com/GY09wBiFzm
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) May 9, 2023

ESPN College Basketball Analyst Dick Vitale

So sad to learn of the passing of good friend DENNY CRUM ⁦⁦@LouisvilleMBB⁩ - A true LEGEND & HALL OF FAMER ! May Coach Crum RIP via @ESPN App https://t.co/AUWTxuQfDJ
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) May 9, 2023

CBS Sports Senior Writer/Analyst Matt Norlander

California-born.

A John Wooden disciple.

A Naismith Hall of Famer.

Above all: The most important coach in Louisville history.

The @CBSSports obituary on Denzil Edwin Crum.https://t.co/E70aDQVEtZ
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) May 9, 2023

The Sporting News College Basketball Columnist Mike DeCourcy

Denny Crum was one of the great college coaches, and getting to cover his games as beat writer for Memphis and Cincinnati was an honor.
Am sorry to hear of his passing.
It wasn't just about 80 and 86, it was about everyone from Junior Bridgeman to DeJuan Wheat. He was a legend.
— Michael DeCourcy (@tsnmike) May 9, 2023

Former Louisville Men's Basketball Head Coach Rick Pitino

I was saddened to learn of the passing of Denny Crum. My prayers are with his family. He was beloved by all Cardinal fans.
— Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) May 9, 2023

Former Louisville Men's Basketball Head Coach Chris Mack

Not many as inviting as the legendary Coach Denny Crum. I appreciated all of our time together. Praying for Susan, your family & all the lives you changed.
Rest in Peace Coach. pic.twitter.com/z5gUK9GL0z
— Chris Mack (@CoachChrisMack) May 9, 2023

Kentucky Men's Basketball Head Coach John Calipari

Denny Crum was truly a Hall of Famer. He was kind, had a great sense of humor but make no mistake about it, he was a competitor who wanted to win every game. My heart goes out to Susan and his family and friends. We lost another legend in our state today. Rest in peace, my friend pic.twitter.com/Ncmib5EZQa
— John Calipari (@CoachCalArk) May 9, 2023

Former Louisville Cardinal Peyton Siva

RIP to the Legend!!! Thanks for always supporting me and treating me with kindness. You truly are One of One. 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/CcWlWayH1z
— Peyton Siva Jr (@PeypeySiva3) May 9, 2023

Lenoir-Rhyne Head Coach and Former Louisville Cardinal Everick Sullivan

Rest well coach…you will be missed but never forgotten ❤️ #LsUp pic.twitter.com/aXVB8PQhQX
— Everick Sullivan (@CoachESully) May 9, 2023

Former Louisville Cardinal James "Boo" Brewer

L’s Up to my dad, The 🐐, my mentor, my best friend, my hero, my everything, MY COACH!! LOVE THIS MAN SO MUCH! He taught me a lot about loyalty, determination, dedication and work ethic..
RIP Coach Denny Crum pic.twitter.com/CBy5TBW7u9
— James Boo Brewer (@coachboobrewer) May 9, 2023

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear

Denny Crum was a basketball legend, making an impact here in Kentucky by leading Louisville to win multiple national titles. But even more importantly, he made a difference in the community by running an inclusive program for all to enjoy. He will be greatly missed. ^AB
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) May 9, 2023

City of Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg

Coach Crum’s dedication and hard work on and off the court touched countless lives. Our hearts are with his loved ones as we honor his legacy. pic.twitter.com/mEuKUNgsY9
— Mayor Craig Greenberg (@LouisvilleMayor) May 9, 2023

(Photo of Denny Crum via University of Louisville Athletics)

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