In the rugged mountains of Eastern Kentucky, where basketball has long been the only game in town, legends are born. Partly because there is just not much else to do. Between 1940 and 1956, teams from the region claimed eight state titles, cementing the area as the heartland of the sport during the silver age of basketball. One of the greatest players to emerge from that era was Hazard's own Johnny Cox.
Hazard, if you are not familiar, is not like the Dukes of Hazzard. It is a small town set in the mountains with not a lot going on except for coal mining. It used to be a thriving town but has been ravaged by natural disasters and the shift away for coal. Many still only have basketball as an escape. Johnny Cox still lives there, and you can catch him at the occasional high school game. So let's take a look at another home grown hero.
Related: Home grown heroes: Derek Anderson
From Mr. Basketball to a Wildcat legend
Johnny Cox, #SECMBB legend pic.twitter.com/G6vGmBOSNI
— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) March 16, 2019
In the 1955 state tournament, Johnny Cox was an unstoppable force, scoring 127 points and earning All-Tournament, All-State, and Kentucky Mr. Basketball honors. His incredible hustle and work ethic caught the eye of Adolph Rupp, who offered Cox a scholarship to the University of Kentucky. Cox chose the Wildcats over rivals Louisville and Western Kentucky, setting the stage for a remarkable college career.
At 6'4", Cox was a dominant force in the paint for his era. After sitting out his first year, as all freshmen were required to do, he made an immediate impact, averaging 17.4 points and 12 rebounds per game over three stellar seasons.
Leading the 'Fiddlin' Five' to a title
Cox's leadership was most crucial for the legendary 1958 "Fiddlin' Five," Coach Rupp's fourth national championship squad. The team earned its nickname from Rupp himself, who lamented their habit of "fiddling" through games, making mistakes but always finding a way to win. Despite six regular-season losses, the most ever for a Kentucky championship team, the Wildcats found their rhythm in the NCAA Tournament.
In the title game, held in ironically, Louisville's Freedom Hall, Kentucky outdueled an Elgin Baylor-led Seattle team 84-72, clinching the title. Cox followed that up with an extraordinary 1959 season, earning First-Team All-American honors. His excellence led to him being drafted by the New York Knicks.
In a heartwarming recent moment, he returned to Rupp Arena to a thunderous standing ovation, a testament to the enduring bond between the Big Blue Nation and one of its greatest legends.
Jordan Owens is a contributor to Wildcat Blue Nation and a lifelong UK fanatic who has watched every UK game since 1995. Jordan is no stranger to college athletics as a former college athlete. Jordan brings a unique mix of fandom and insight that helps make WBN the go-to source for all of your Kentucky news.Find him on X here.