SUN CITY, Ariz. — The University of Kentucky announced on Thursday that former UK center, Ed Beck, passed away at the age of 83.
Beck played for Adolph Rupp from 1956-'58 winning a national championship as a member of the Fiddlin' Five in 1958. The team was just recognized for its accomplishment on February 23, 2019 at Rupp Arena during the UK game with Auburn. During his visit he did a press conference where he talked about the team that won the title. “You have to remember we had 11 people on that team who graduated in 1958," said Beck. "It was the main reason we won the tournament because we had played together for four years and knew each other’s moves. I know what Vernon (Hatton) was going to do before he was going to do it. … It all came together. The maturity of the team was a big, big part of the championship.”
Beck, who was 6'7", averaged six points and 12 rebounds per game during the championship season. “Ed Beck was an important member of the Kentucky basketball family,” UK athletics director Mitch Barnhart said. “He cemented his place in UK lore as one of the great rebounders in program history and a leader of one of our most beloved teams. Seeing him and his teammates return home for the reunion of the 1958 team reunion earlier this year was truly special. We offer our condolences to Ed’s family and friends.”
Beck would go on to serve as a Methodist minister for more than 50 years. He's survived by his wife, Faye, and sons Jon Ed, Stephen, Bradley and Daniel. Funeral arraignments are pending.
