ADOLPH RUPP
For nearly three decades, the sports world has watched an amazing record being forged with near perfection out of meager raw material by a colorful figure in the Bluegrass country of Kentucky known familiarly to hundreds of thousands as the "Man in the Brown Suit."
He is Adolph Rupp of Kentucky and when the sport of basketball is mentioned today, a direct chain of thought brings out the name of this maker of champions who holds undisputed rank as the "Nation's Winningest Basketball Coach." The name of Rupp, feared and respected in opponents' hearts and beloved by the millions who have witnessed the remarkable success of his Wildcat cage teams, has become synonymous with the game of basketball.
Such unprecedented recognition for the fabulous mentor is only natural since his success in the past 29 years as head man of the fabled Kentucky cage thoroughbreds has been nothing short of phenomenial. It would take a book longer than his own technical bestseller, "Championship Basketball," to recite the record completely.  Briefly, however, that record includes:
An amazing 608 victories out of 714 starts for an unparalleled winning percentage of better than 85 per cent against major competition.
Selection as the national "Coach of the eYar" in 1959 for the second time in his career as he guided an inexperienced group of sophomores to a 24-3 record. The honor was bestowed by United Press International and the Knute Rockne Clubs of America.
An unprecedented honor roll of four NCAA Tournament championships picked up by his Wildcats who hold the all-time record of 11 appearances in the national classic and can claim more victories in NCAA play (21) than any other team.
A nominal worlds championship as co-coach of the successful USA entry in the 1948 Olympic Games which included members of Kentucky's NCAA champions.
A total of 19 Southeeastern Conference titles since the league was organized in 1933.
Election to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1959 and previous selection (in 1946) by Helms Athletic Foundation as a member of their exclusive cage Hall of Fame.
Election to the Kentucky Hall of Fame (1945), outstanding citizen of Lexington (1949) and twice honorary citizen ot the City of New Orleans.
Development of more All-Americans (21) and more material for the pro ranks (17) than any other coach. Four Sugar Bowl Tournament championships, a National Invitation Tournament title and four trophies from the first six UK Invitational Tournaments.