Apr 4, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats mascot and cheerleaders perform during the second half of the 2015 NCAA Men
24. Ralph Beard
Ralph Beard, a speedy 5-foot-10 guard from Louisville, Kentucky reminds me of the current Tyler Ulis. He was both a force on the offense and defense, but was extremely aggressive on the defense.
He played under Coach Adolph Rupp at Kentucky in 1946-49. During his freshman season, Beard sank a free throw to help Kentucky win the 1946 National Invitational Tournament, UK’s first win in a national basketball event. Beard then led UK to NCAA National Championships in 1948 and 1949. He also was a member of the Kentucky Wildcats prestigious team, the Fabulous Five. He was an important member of the 1948 U.S. Olympic basketball team, winning the gold medal in London, England, along side his Fabulous Five teammates and head coach, Adolph Rupp. Beard received All-America honors in 1947, 1948 and 1949 and to this day remains UK’s only three-time, consensus first-team All-American.
He was one of the best guards to ever wear a jersey. His style of play is what people want to see in this time of day, too.
Beard was inducted into the University of Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame in 1985, but hasn’t been considered for his dream of the Naismith Hall of Fame.
Beard passed away in late 2007.
Next: First Seven Footer