Louisville basketball will honor the late Kenny Klein this season, the program announced Oct. 19. The longtime sports information director will have his named raised in the rafters on Jan. 2, 2027, when the Cardinals take on Stanford.
“Kenny Klein dedicated his career to telling the stories of Louisville’s greatest moments and the people who made them possible. He never sought the spotlight or recognition for himself, but there is no question that Kenny profoundly shaped the history and tradition of Louisville Basketball as we know it,” UofL athletics director Josh Heird said in a news release. “His loyalty, humility and love for this university were unmatched, and the relationships he built and lives he touched extend far beyond the basketball court. There is something incredibly special about knowing that a man who spent more than four decades celebrating Louisville’s legends will now take his rightful place among them.”
Klein worked for the athletic department from from 1983 until 2022. He then joined former UofL head coach Rick Pitino at St. John's as a special advisor.
Klein's banner at the Yum Center will join UofL's retired numbers — No. 2 Russ Smith, No. 8 Charlie Tyra, No. 10 Junior Bridgeman, No. 31 Wes Unseld, No. 35 Darrell Griffith and No. 42 Pervis Ellison — as well as three head coaches in Denny Crum, John Dromo and Bernard “Peck” Hickman.
“Our family would like to sincerely thank Josh, the athletic department, and the university for their support and for so beautifully honoring Kenny’s life and legacy,” the Klein family said in UofL's release. “Kenny lived and breathed the Louisville Cardinals, and he loved his work because, to him, it was always about helping others. We have been overwhelmed and deeply touched by the outpouring of love from fans, friends, colleagues, members of the media, coaches, former players, and so many others. Listening to their stories and hearing how much Kenny meant to so many people has brought us comfort during this incredibly difficult time. Seeing him celebrated in this way is truly heartwarming.”
Klein's long career led him to being inducted into the Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame in 2017.
Klein died June 25 at the age of 66.
Reach sports trending writer Alaina Morris at amorris@gannett.com and follow her on X at @alainammorris.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville basketball to honor Kenny Klein with banner at KFC Yum Center