Fiddlin' Five member Phil Johnson passes away at 87

Photo: University of Kentucky ArchivesOne of the last surviving members of Kentucky basketball‘s famous “Fiddlin’ Five” has passed away. Phil Johnson, a Lexington native, died peacefully on July 23 at the age of 87.

Johnson was a three-year letterman in basketball for the Wildcats, attending the University of Kentucky from 1955-59 and helping Adolph Rupp’s program win the 1958 NCAA championship. The 6-foot-5, 190-pound forward racked up a total of 208 points and 281 rebounds over 64 games played.

He also lettered two years in baseball at Kentucky.

University of Kentucky ArchivesUniversity of Kentucky ArchivesJohnson was the son of Bert Johnson, a former All-SEC running back for the Wildcats…