Kentucky Honors Legendary 1966 'Rupp's Runts' Team, Featuring Pat Riley

Former Kentucky star and NBA legend Pat Riley set to join teammates for 60th anniversary reunion at Rupp Arena.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:03pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a basketball game, with sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant colors representing the raw athleticism and competitive spirit of the sport.The upcoming reunion of Kentucky's legendary 1966 'Rupp's Runts' team, featuring NBA icon Pat Riley, promises to be a celebration of the program's storied past and Riley's enduring impact on the sport.San Diego Today

This Saturday, the University of Kentucky will honor the legendary 1966 basketball team known as 'Rupp's Runts' on the 60th anniversary of their national runner-up season. Among the iconic players scheduled to attend is former Kentucky star and NBA legend Pat Riley, who went on to become a titan of the sport as both a player and coach.

Why it matters

The 1966 Kentucky team, led by Riley, etched their names into basketball history, winning the SEC regular-season title and earning multiple All-American honors. Riley's journey from a Kentucky Wildcat to a nine-time NBA champion as both a player and coach has sparked debates over whether his on-court dominance or off-court brilliance defines his legacy more.

The details

The 1966 Kentucky squad, boasting a 27-2 record, won the SEC regular-season title and featured four All-American players, including Riley, who averaged 21.9 points per game and earned SEC Player of the Year honors. After being drafted by the San Diego Rockets in 1967, Riley played nearly a decade in the NBA before transitioning into coaching, where he built a dynasty with the Los Angeles Lakers and later coached the gritty New York Knicks and the flashy Miami Heat. Today, he serves as the president of the Heat.

  • The 1966 Kentucky team had a 27-2 record and won the SEC regular-season title.
  • Riley was drafted 7th overall by the San Diego Rockets in 1967.
  • Riley began his coaching career as an assistant with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1979.
  • Kentucky is honoring the 1966 'Rupp's Runts' team on the 60th anniversary of their national runner-up season this Saturday.

The players

Pat Riley

A former starting forward for the 1966 Kentucky Wildcats team, Riley went on to become a titan in the NBA as both a player and coach, winning nine NBA championships.

Louie Dampier

A member of the 1966 Kentucky 'Rupp's Runts' team who is expected to attend the 60th anniversary reunion.

Jim LeMaster

A member of the 1966 Kentucky 'Rupp's Runts' team who is expected to attend the 60th anniversary reunion.

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What they’re saying

“I looked over, and Riles was standing in the tunnel, just staring at me like he could see right through me. He didn't joke around—he's one of the greatest leaders this game has ever seen.”

— Mark Pope, Former Kentucky player

What’s next

Kentucky is expecting nearly every living member of the 1966 'Rupp's Runts' team to attend the 60th anniversary reunion at Rupp Arena this Saturday, with the exception of Larry Conley who will be absent due to health issues.

The takeaway

Pat Riley's journey from a Kentucky Wildcat to a nine-time NBA champion as both a player and coach has sparked debates over whether his on-court dominance or off-court brilliance defines his legacy more. The upcoming reunion of the legendary 1966 'Rupp's Runts' team will be a celebration of Kentucky basketball history and a chance to reflect on Riley's enduring impact on the sport.