LEXINGTON, Ky. — Ralph Hacker, a part of University of Kentucky basketball broadcasts for 29 years, announced his immediate retirement.

        Hacker, 57, has worked for the UK Radio Network since 1972. Hacker teamed with Cawood Ledford for 20 years on broadcasts of Kentucky basketball and football. Ledford retired after the 1991-92 basketball season, and Hacker moved from analyst to play-by-play man. Hacker said he retired to spend more time with his family.

        “Ralph has been a great asset to our program and to me personally,” Kentucky basketball coach Tubby Smith said. “He helped make my transition from Georgia (in 1997) very easy. He's given me a lot of advice and guidance, and I'll remain one of his biggest fans.”

        Tom Leach, who anchors UK postgame shows, will take over Hacker's basketball duties. Leach has been the UK football play-by-play man for the past four seasons.

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