1. Darrell Griffith
Quite possibly the best high school basketball player in the nation in 1976, Griffith stayed in his hometown of Louisville to play for Crum and the Cardinals. Over the course of the next four seasons, he’d not only be instrumental in the program’s first national championship but establish himself as one of the best players to ever wear the Cardinals’ uniform.
He put up solid numbers as a freshman but evolved into a top-level shooter by his sophomore season, a season in which he averaged 18.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. He was the focal point of the Cardinals on both sides of the ball and was even more dominant by his senior season.
So sad to learn of the passing of good friend DENNY CRUM @LouisvilleMBB - A true LEGEND & HALL OF FAMER ! May Coach Crum RIP via @ESPN App https://t.co/AUWTxuQfDJ
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) May 9, 2023
That year not only saw him win the Wooden Award and Metro Player of the Year, but he was a First Team All-American who set the Cardinals’ record by scoring 825 points that season. He led Louisville to their first-ever national championship in 1980 and was rightfully named the Tourney’s Most Outstanding Player.
The second pick in the 1980 NBA Draft, Griffith would proceed to spend his entire 11-year pro career with the Utah Jazz, winning Rookie of the Year and starring for over a decade. His #35 was retired by both the Jazz and Louisville and he was certainly Crum’s most talented and successful player. His 2,333 career points at Louisville still stand atop the ranks more than 40 years later and his role in Louisville’s first taste of championship glory will never be forgotten.
Do you agree with the players we’ve selected for today’s list? It’s been a deep dive into some of Louisville’s basketball history during the proud tenure of Denny Crum. We remember Crum and the impact he had both on this program and with these specific players; may he rest in peace.