Basketball star Jerry Bird dead at age 83

CORBIN, Ky. (WTVQ)- Family, friends, and Big Blue Nation are mourning a former UK basketball star.

Corbin native Jerry Bird died Sunday morning at age 83.

According to his obituary, Bird played for the Cats from 1953-1956.

The Minneapolis Lakers drafted him in 1956 18th overall. Later, they traded him to the New York Knicks.

He played 11 games in the NBA.

His UK jersey, number 22, is retired at Rupp Arena.