Kentucky Wildcats Basketball: Top 10 Teams in History

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Apr 5, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Final Four coaches club members from left Jim Larranaga , Tubby Smith and Roy Williams are seen during the semifinals of the Final Four in the 2014 NCAA Mens Division I Championship tournament between the Wisconsin Badgers and Kentucky Wildcats at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

#5 1997-98 Kentucky Wildcats

Fresh off the loss of Rick Pitino, a year after winning the 1996 National Championship and the loss in the championship game in 1997, Tubby Smith had big shoes to fill in his first season as the coach of the Kentucky Wildcats.

He did not fail. Using many players who had National Championship run experience, Tubby Smith led the Kentucky Wildcats to their seventh National Championship.

The players on this team, many who nowadays are found in Rupp Arena watching the games or coaching against the Wildcats, were a force to be reckoned with. They had a 29-4 record and won the National Championship game against the Utah Utees 78-69.

This team featured players like:

  1. Steve Masiello-head coach at Manhattan University
  2. Wayne Turner-an assistant for the Louisville Cardinals.
  3. Nazr Mohammed-who just this year, is no longer in the NBA.
  4. Jeff Sheppard
  5. Cameron Mills
  6. Scott Padgett-head coach at Samford University
  7. Jamaal Magloire-currently employed by the Toronto Raptors.

Next: First National Championship