Former UK Players Odie Smith, Cookie Grawemeyer Headed to Hall of Fame

Odie Smith was a starter on UK’s Fiddlin’ Five. (UK Athletics Photo)

Former University of Kentucky basketball player Adrian “Odie” Smith was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010 because he was on the 1960 USA Olympic team that won the gold medal. He is also a member of the Northeast Mississippi Community College Sports Hall of Fame and the Mississippi Community College Sports Hall of Fame.

Now he is going to be inducted into the Kentucky High School Basketball Hall of Fame along with 12 others on September 6 at the Historic State Theater in Elizabethtown.

Smith played basketball at Farmington High School in rural Graves County and became an All-State player his senior year at Farmington. He blossomed into a starter for the University of Kentucky’s 1958 “Fiddlin’ Five” national championship team under coach Adolph Rupp when he averaged 12 points per game.

Not only was Smith an Olympic gold medalist, but he played from 1961 to 1969 in the NBA for the Cincinnati Royals and was an NBA All-Star Game MVP even though he opted to join the Army before he started his professional career. He shared the Royals backcourt with Oscar Robertson, one of the greatest players ever in the NBA. Smith lives in Cincinnati but never lost his love for Kentucky basketball. He is one of the friendliest men I have ever met and probably has always been one of the most under appreciated former UK players.

Another former Wildcat, Phil “Cookie” Grawemeyer, is also being inducted. Grawemeyer led the duPont Manual Crimsons to a 66-5 record over two seasons from 1950-52. His teams lost heartbreakers in the Sweet Sixteen semifinals in 1951 and the finals in 1952.

He was named to the 1951 and 1952 Sweet 16 All-State Tournament teams and the Courier-Journal All-State Teams. He played on the UK 1953-1954 undefeated team and his team jersey was retired and now hangs in the rafters of Rupp Arena.

Others being inducted into the Kentucky High School Basketball Hall of Fame are:

Coach Nolan Barger Tates Creek High School / 1972-1999

In 1972, Coach Nolan Barger began his 28-year career at Lexington’s Tates Creek High School. He became known as the “Giant Killer” for his tournament wins over some of the state’s greatest teams. In arguably the state’s toughest district, Lexington’s 43rd, he averaged 19 wins per season. His overall career record was 540 wins and 265 losses. Coach Barger was the ultimate teacher/coach who developed his players both as athletes and young men. The 1991 Commodore team took their coach to the brink of the ultimate prize in Kentucky high school sports, the Sweet 16 Championship, but would come up short to defending champion Fairdale High School in the finals by a score of 67-63. The 1991 team ended their championship run with a 34-2 record.

Julius Berry Dunbar High School / 1959

Julius Berry was a superstar for Lexington Dunbar High School when in 1957, after segregation, his team became eligible to play in the Kentucky High School Athletic Association. He led Dunbar to two Sweet 16 tournaments in 1958 and 1959 and was selected to the All-State Tournament Team in both years. Julius was named All-State in 1958 and 1959 as well. An offensive “Bearcat” machine, he scored over 3,000 points in his career at Dunbar, under the tutelage of Hall of Fame Coach S. T. Roach. He was at one point Kentucky’s 4th all-time scorer. After graduation, he received a basketball scholarship to the University of Dayton.

Coach John “Hop” Brown West Carter High School / 1978-2003

In 1979, John “Hop” Brown was hired as head coach of the West Carter High School Comets. He led the Comets in establishing a Kentucky high school basketball powerhouse, winning 514 games, six regional titles, and a Sweet 16 State Championship in 2000. During the championship run of 2000, he enjoyed the opportunity of coaching his daughter Kandi Brown, who was an All-State performer. “Hop’s” passion for coaching transferred into a blazing style of play. The Comets were relentless and brilliant, and brought Olive Hill and West Carter High School statewide recognition.

Greg Buckner University Heights Academy / 1994

Greg Buckner played on two state championship teams during his career at University Heights Academy, the Sweet 16 in 1992 and the All-A State Tournament in 1991. His all-around game was extraordinary, and its application was magical. Greg averaged 22 points per game, nine rebounds, and four assists in his senior year, earning 1st Team All-State honors. Clemson University signed Greg for a basketball scholarship. He led the Clemson Tigers in scoring all four years and became a high selection in the NBA draft. Greg Buckner played for 10 years in the NBA.

Brett Burrow North Hardin High School / 1982

In 1981, his junior year, 6′ 10″ Brett Burrow led the North Hardin Trojans to their first regional title under Hall of Fame Coach Ron Bevars. The following year, they won the prestigious Louisville Invitational and Ashland Invitational Tournaments and were within a “second” of capturing the 1982 Sweet 16 State Championship, losing to Laurel County on a 50-foot game-winning shot by South Laurel’s Paul Andrews. Brett, the son of Kentucky All-American Bob Burrow, made the All-State Tournament Team and 1st team All-State in 1982. He scored 1,361 points and secured 749 rebounds during his career at North Hardin, earning him a basketball scholarship to Vanderbilt University, where he had an outstanding career.

Anthony Hickey Christian County High School / 2011

The Christian County Colonels and Anthony Hickey came to Rupp Arena in March of 2011 on a mission. Coach Kerry Stovall had his team poised to compete, and he had a leader Anthony Hickey who set a torrid pace. He spoiled all efforts to defend his speed and athleticism and led Christian County to the Sweet 16 State Championship in 2011. Anthony earned All-State Tournament Team honors and was named to the Courier-Journal’s All-State First Team. Kentucky high school basketball’s highest individual award, Mr. Basketball, was presented to him by the Kentucky Lion’s Club. Anthony Hickey continued his career at LSU, where he had an outstanding career.

Coach Hardin McLane Elizabethtown Catholic High School / 1958-1968

Hardin McLane coached the Elizabethtown Catholic High School Knights for 10 years from 1958-1968. During his tenure, the Knights won 20+ games every season and 76.7% of their games overall. Catholic made four Sweet 16 appearances under the tutelage of Coach McLane in 1961, 1965, 1967, and 1968. His 1961 Knights also won the prestigious Louisville Invitational Tournament (LIT). He coached the Kentucky All-Star Team in 1968, winning both games in the annual series against Indiana. At the conclusion of Coach Hardin’s career, he became an acclaimed basketball analyst for nine years, covering the Sweet 16 on both television and radio.

Kim Mays Mills Knox Central High School / 1990

Kim Mays Mills started for the Knox Central varsity Lady Panthers as a seventh grader. She became a tremendous scorer and led the state in scoring her senior year with a 41.6 points per game average. She set 13* region records for most points scored in a game (59 points) and career points (3,952). Kim earned All-State honors in 1988, 1989, and 1990 and was named Kentucky’s Miss Basketball in 1990. She was named to the prestigious Parade and Street and Smith’s All-American Teams in 1990 as well. She earned a basketball scholarship to Eastern Kentucky University, where she continued her successful career.

Jason Osborne Louisville Male High School / 1993

Jason Osborne’s basketball career at Louisville Male High School would rival the many great Bulldog players who came before him. He was an extremely agile 6’9″ athlete whose skill set was solid. Jason led Male to the 1993 Sweet 16 State Tournament semifinals and was selected to the All-State Tournament Team while also garnering All-State honors in both 1992 and 1993. He earned Kentucky’s highest basketball award, being named Mr. Basketball his senior year. Street and Smith selected Jason to their All-American team in 1993. The University of Louisville signed Jason Osborne to a basketball scholarship, where he continued his hoops career.

Coach Don Parson Calhoun High School, Hopkins County High School, Madisonville High School / 1960-1998

Don Parson’s impact on the game over his 38-year coaching career is historic. He was an All-State player at Lily High School in Laurel County and played for legendary Coach Ed Diddle at Western Kentucky University. Upon graduation, he chose coaching as a career, and over the next 38 years, his teams won 706 games, including seven regional titles. Coach Parson’s 1984 Madisonville High School team recorded a 32-2 record, losing to eventual state champion Logan County by two points. His coaching record ranks number 11 on the Kentucky all-time list for winningest coaches.

Natalie Powers Payne Apollo High School / 1997

Natalie Powers Payne started every game during her four years at Apollo High School. She set eight school records during her playing career, ranging from 2,497 points to 560 assists. An all-around player, she led the Apollo Eagles to a new level of achievement, winning three consecutive regional titles in 1995, 1996, and 1997. Natalie was a two-time All-State performer and was named to the Sweet 16 All-Tournament Team three consecutive years. She represents what a great attitude and talent can achieve. Natalie Powers Payne attended Western Kentucky on a basketball scholarship.

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The induction ceremony will be Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. in the Historic State Theater in Elizabethtown. Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased at this link.