🏀Best Kentucky Basketball Players of All Time
Kentucky basketball has produced dozens of NBA stars and multiple national champions, making the all-time ranking a constant debate among fans. College dominance, NBA impact, and longevity at the highest level all factor in. Vote to rank them.
What counts: Best balances NCAA titles won at UK, pro accolades, and scoring impact; figures are approximate career averages.
Davis anchored the 2012 title team with elite defense and shot-blocking before becoming an NBA MVP candidate. His one-and-done year delivered both a championship and the top pick. No other modern Kentucky player matches his two-way impact.
NCAA Titles: 1All-Star Appearances: 8College PPG: 14.2Draft Position: 1st overallNBA Career PPG: 23.9
added by IJRin 2 rankingsAnthony Davis
20Towns dominated the post in one season and helped reach the Final Four before becoming the No. 1 pick. His combination of size, skill, and shooting translated immediately to the NBA. He remains one of the most complete bigs Kentucky produced.
NCAA Titles: 0All-Star Appearances: 4College PPG: 10.3Draft Position: 1st overallNBA Career PPG: 23
added by IJRin 2 rankingsKarl-Anthony Towns
17Bam Adebayo▲ Rising
Adebayo brought energy and versatility to the 2017 title team and quickly became an All-Star two-way forward in Miami. His defensive versatility and passing from the frontcourt stand out. Few Kentucky bigs have matched his playoff impact.
NCAA Titles: 1All-Star Appearances: 3College PPG: 8.2Draft Position: 14th overallNBA Career PPG: 15.8
added by IJRBam Adebayo
17Eric Bledsoe▲ Rising
Bledsoe brought athleticism and defense to the 2010 Final Four backcourt before a solid NBA career. His transition speed and dunks defined his UK highlight reel. He helped usher in Calipari's up-tempo era.
NCAA Titles: 0All-Star Appearances: 0College PPG: 9.1Draft Position: 18th overallNBA Career PPG: 13.8
added by IJREric Bledsoe
11Tayshaun Prince▲ Rising
Prince's length and defense anchored the 1998 and 2003 Final Four teams before a long NBA career. His versatility helped Kentucky reach deep tournament runs. He became a steady NBA starter and champion.
NCAA Titles: 0All-Star Appearances: 0College PPG: 13Draft Position: 23rd overallNBA Career PPG: 11.1
added by IJRTayshaun Prince
10Murray's sophomore scoring outburst helped Kentucky reach the Elite Eight and set the stage for his playoff heroics in Denver. His deep shooting and clutch gene translated to an NBA championship. Few UK guards have posted his playoff volume.
NCAA Titles: 0All-Star Appearances: 0College PPG: 18Draft Position: 7th overallNBA Career PPG: 18.5
added by IJRJamal Murray
9Wall led the 2010 Final Four run with explosive speed and playmaking that changed Kentucky's style. Drafted first overall, he became a perennial All-Star point guard. His transition game remains the benchmark for UK guards.
NCAA Titles: 0All-Star Appearances: 5College PPG: 16.6Draft Position: 1st overallNBA Career PPG: 19.1
added by IJRJohn Wall
8Booker developed into a prolific scorer during three seasons at Kentucky before exploding in the NBA. His 70-point game and multiple 50-point outbursts highlight his offensive firepower. Few UK players have reached his volume scoring level.
NCAA Titles: 0All-Star Appearances: 4College PPG: 10.2Draft Position: 13th overallNBA Career PPG: 24.8
added by IJRDevin Booker
6De'Aaron Fox▲ Rising
Fox's blazing speed defined Kentucky's 2017 title run and carried into an All-Star NBA career. His transition play and finishing ability made him a franchise point guard. He remains the fastest UK guard to reach stardom.
NCAA Titles: 1All-Star Appearances: 1College PPG: 10.5Draft Position: 5th overallNBA Career PPG: 19.8
added by IJRDe'Aaron Fox
6Kenny Walker▲ Rising
Walker earned National Player of the Year honors in 1986 and led Kentucky to multiple NCAA appearances. His scoring and rebounding anchored the mid-80s teams. He remains one of the program's most decorated forwards.
NCAA Titles: 0All-Star Appearances: 0College PPG: 16.3Draft Position: 5th overallNBA Career PPG: 6.3
added by IJRKenny Walker
6Rondo's playmaking and defense keyed multiple deep NCAA runs before a long championship NBA career. His IQ and passing made him the prototype UK point guard. Few have matched his longevity and title count.
NCAA Titles: 0All-Star Appearances: 4College PPG: 8.4Draft Position: 21st overallNBA Career PPG: 10.7
added by IJRin 2 rankingsRajon Rondo
5SGA developed quietly over two seasons before exploding into an All-NBA guard with elite mid-range scoring. His calm leadership carried Oklahoma City to contention. Kentucky's recent point-guard lineage peaks with his efficiency.
NCAA Titles: 0All-Star Appearances: 2College PPG: 10.6Draft Position: 11th overallNBA Career PPG: 22.5
added by IJRShai Gilgeous-Alexander
3Randle powered the 2014 Elite Eight team with physical dominance before a long NBA career marked by triple-doubles. His rebounding and passing from the forward spot stood out. Kentucky's modern power-forward line begins with him.
NCAA Titles: 0All-Star Appearances: 1College PPG: 15.3Draft Position: 7th overallNBA Career PPG: 19.3
added by IJRJulius Randle
2Jones powered two Final Four teams with versatile forward play and rebounding. His athleticism and scoring helped sustain Kentucky's elite status. He transitioned into a productive NBA role player.
NCAA Titles: 0All-Star Appearances: 0College PPG: 12.6Draft Position: 18th overallNBA Career PPG: 9.8
added by IJRTerrence Jones
0Tyler Herro▲ Rising
Herro's sharpshooting and poise as a freshman fueled the 2019 Final Four run before he became a Sixth Man of the Year. His instant-offense impact carried into Miami's deep playoff runs. Kentucky's recent wing scoring legacy starts here.
NCAA Titles: 0All-Star Appearances: 0College PPG: 13.7Draft Position: 13th overallNBA Career PPG: 18.5
added by IJRTyler Herro
-1Knight led the 2011 Final Four team with clutch scoring and leadership before a solid NBA career. His three-point shooting and poise defined that run. He helped bridge the Calipari era's early success.
NCAA Titles: 0All-Star Appearances: 0College PPG: 17.3Draft Position: 8th overallNBA Career PPG: 12.5
added by IJRBrandon Knight
-1Issel scored at historic rates across four seasons and led Kentucky to the 1969 NIT title. His rebounding and scoring totals remain among the program's best. He set the standard for UK big-man production.
NCAA Titles: 0All-Star Appearances: 0College PPG: 25.7Draft Position: ABA 1st roundNBA Career PPG: 18.2
added by IJRDan Issel
-2MK G anchored the 2012 title defense with relentless energy and athleticism before a long NBA career. His rebounding and defense translated immediately. Few UK wings matched his championship pedigree and motor.
NCAA Titles: 1All-Star Appearances: 0College PPG: 11.9Draft Position: 2nd overallNBA Career PPG: 10.7
added by IJRMichael Kidd-Gilchrist
-3Patterson led the 2010 Final Four team with consistent scoring and rebounding before a long NBA career. His steady forward play helped stabilize early Calipari squads. He became a reliable stretch big in the pros.
NCAA Titles: 0All-Star Appearances: 0College PPG: 15.2Draft Position: 14th overallNBA Career PPG: 8.5
added by IJRPatrick Patterson
-3Cauley-Stein provided rim protection and energy across three seasons, including the 2015 Final Four. His athleticism translated to a long NBA role. He helped anchor Calipari's defensive identity.
NCAA Titles: 0All-Star Appearances: 0College PPG: 8.8Draft Position: 6th overallNBA Career PPG: 8.3
added by IJRWillie Cauley-Stein
-5Macy led Kentucky to the 1978 national title with clutch shooting and leadership. His three-point prowess and floor generalship defined that championship squad. He remains a beloved figure in program history.
NCAA Titles: 1All-Star Appearances: 0College PPG: 14.8Draft Position: 22nd overallNBA Career PPG: 11.4
added by IJRKyle Macy
-6Meeks set the single-season three-point record during the 2009 Elite Eight run and became an instant NBA shooter. His scoring outburst remains one of the program's most memorable. He carved a long pro career as a specialist.
NCAA Titles: 0All-Star Appearances: 0College PPG: 18.6Draft Position: 2nd roundNBA Career PPG: 10.2
added by IJRJodie Meeks
-6Bowie anchored the 1984 Final Four team with size and skill before a lengthy NBA career hampered by injuries. His college dominance earned high draft status. He remains a symbol of Kentucky's big-man tradition.
NCAA Titles: 0All-Star Appearances: 0College PPG: 12.5Draft Position: 2nd overallNBA Career PPG: 10.9
added by IJRin 3 rankingsSam Bowie
-7Rex Chapman▼ Falling
Chapman thrilled crowds with dunks and scoring during two seasons before becoming a first-round pick. His athleticism and shooting helped launch the modern UK highlight era. He remains a fan favorite for his flair.
NCAA Titles: 0All-Star Appearances: 0College PPG: 16.6Draft Position: 8th overallNBA Career PPG: 14.6
added by IJRRex Chapman
-11Noel anchored the 2013 Elite Eight defense with elite shot-blocking before a long NBA career. His length and athleticism defined that team's identity. He remains one of Kentucky's top modern rim protectors.
NCAA Titles: 0All-Star Appearances: 0College PPG: 10Draft Position: 6th overallNBA Career PPG: 7.3
added by IJRNerlens Noel
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