LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - A sculpture honoring former Kentucky men's basketball coach Joe B. Hall is now outside the new Wildcat Coal Lodge.

The University of Kentucky says the bronze sculpture was produced over a period of eight months, beginning as a clay sculpture, then was cast in bronze. It was created by sculptor J. Brett Grill of Columbia, Mo., using photographs of Hall taken from 1972 to 1985, the period of time when he coached the Wildcats to an overall record of 297-100 and the 1978 NCAA championship.

"I've been a big sports fan my whole life, so it was exciting to me," Grill said after the ceremony. "It's a great honor, especially a program like this, with all the tradition they have."

The school says the sculpture is intended to honor Hall and his contributions toward creating Wildcat Lodge.

"I don't know how to describe the feeling," Hall said. "What it means to my family and my friends, that's just everything."

A large group gathered for the dedication at 8 a.m., including Hall and Coach John Calipari.

"This is even better than any naming, it's a statue," Calipari said. "And he gets to enjoy it, which is even better. I'm happy for him. He's a good man."