Reggie Warford, the second Black men’s player in Kentucky history, died Thursday. He was 67.
Warford reportedly battled various health problems, including kidney and heart issues, over the past several years.
Warford played for Kentucky from 1972-76 and scored 206 total points in 50 games. He scored most of those points as a senior when he averaged 6.5 points in 28 games.
Warford later served as an assistant coach at Long Beach State, Iowa State and Pittsburgh. Current Kentucky coach John Calipari was on the same staff at Pitt in the late 1980s.
“Reggie Warford passed away this morning at home surrounded by his loving family,” Calipari said on Twitter. “I know how much Reggie meant to Kentucky & how he inspired others. “Reggie and I worked together at Pitt in the 80s and have remained friends. I’m going to miss my brother, may God bless you Reggie.”
Warford was the first Black men’s player to graduate from Kentucky.
Thomas Payne was the first Black player for Kentucky and spent the 1970-71 season at the school.