Vern Hatton

Walter Vernon Hatton (January 13, 1936 – March 21, 2025) was an American basketball player who won a national championship as a player at the University of Kentucky and played professionally in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Hatton played under Kentucky coach Adolph Rupp. He is considered a Kentucky basketball legend largely due to a memorable half-court shot he made to force a third overtime in a victory over Temple University. He was voted an honorable mention All-American his senior year and scored 30 points to lead the Kentucky Wildcats over Elgin Baylor-led Seattle in winning the 1958 NCAA men's basketball championship. Hatton was named a member of the NCAA All-Tournament team for 1958 along with Baylor, Johnny Cox, and Guy Rodgers. Hatton said of playing for Rupp, "It takes you six to eight years to get over playing for Adolph Rupp, but once you get over it, you get to like him."

He was drafted 9th overall in the 1958 NBA draft by the Cincinnati Royals.

Hatton was married with three sons and was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Hatton died on March 21, 2025, at the age of 89.

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