Michael Pratt

‘Til the battle is won - that is how Mike Pratt always lived. And in true Pratt fashion, he fought this last battle until the bitter end. Cancer is a thief of time and on June 16, 2022 his last battle was fought. From athlete to coach to professional analyst and broadcaster, Mike Pratt has lived and breathed sports for more than 50 years. His illustrious career began in 1967 after he was recruited by legendary coach Adolph Rupp to play for the Kentucky Wildcats. A versatile young athlete who excelled at high school sports in his hometown of Dayton, Ohio, Pratt found even greater success at UK, helping lead the team to three SEC championships and two Elite Eight appearances. Pratt was an Academic All-American, All-American, and two-time All-SEC athlete. Following graduation, Pratt played for the ABA Kentucky Colonels (1970-1972) then went on to coach at UNCC under Lee Rose, until he took over as head coach from 1978-1982. Pratt then moved to broadcast in 1985, working for several outlets including the Charlotte Hornets Television Network, ESPN, and Fox Sports South. He is a member of the UK Athletics Hall of Fame (2009), the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame (2010), and the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame (2019). Since 2002, Pratt has been a familiar face—on the floor and behind the scenes—in Kentucky basketball as color analyst for the UK Radio Network. His work as color analyst led him and Tom Leach to write Kentucky Basketball Two Decades Behind the Scenes. Mike's parents (deceased): Raymond Eugene and Grace Joyce Pratt Spouse: Marcia Schmidt Pratt Brother: Patrick Pratt; spouse - Andrea Pratt Daughter: Tamaryn Pratt; spouse - Jonas Tanenbaum; children Giancarlo, Ginevra, Giacomo Pratt Voltolina Son: Christopher Pratt; spouse - Amy Pratt; daughter Mia Pratt Stepchildren: Christina Stone; spouse - Tyler Stone; Jaxon, Payton Stone Andy Schutz; spouse - Kaelin; children - Wyatt, Hudson, Parker Schutz Tim Schutz; spouse - Sarah; children - Amelia Schutz In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kentuckiana Friends of V. Mike's Celebration of Life will be held Friday, August 5, 2022 at University of Kentucky Memorial Coliseum in Lexington, Kentucky from 1:00pm - 2:00pm. It is open to the public, and casual dress is encouraged as there is no air conditioning at the colosseum.

Michael Pratt

August 4, 1948 - June 16, 2022