Top 50 Kentucky Wildcats Prior to John Calipari Era
Oct 17, 2014; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats banners are displayed during Big Blue Madness at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
13. Derek Anderson
I’m extremely partial to Derek Anderson because his cousin, Margia, is one of my very best friends.
Anderson had it rough growing up in Louisville, Kentucky. Anderson spent a few years at the Ohio State University but ultimately came back to his Old Kentucky Home in 1995 to play for the Wildcats from 1995-1997.
Anderson was a vital part of the 1996 National Championship team and many believe that had Rick Pitino, the head coach of the Wildcats, had played Anderson in the National Championship game in 1997, that we’d have another National Championship banner in the rafters.
Like many other Wildcats, Anderson found a home with a handful of NBA teams.
- 1997-99: Cleveland Cavaliers
- 1999-00: Los Angeles Clippers
- 2000-01: San Antonio Spurs
- 2001-05: Portland Trailblazers
- 2005-06: Houston Rockets
- 2006: Miami Heat
- 2006-09: Charlotte Bobcats
Anderson suffered an ACL tear in his second senior season with the Wildcats. To this day, whenever a Wildcat suffers an injury, specifically to their ACL, Anderson is one of the first people to reach out and support them on their journey back. He even comes to Lexington from wherever he’s at to be as much of a help as he can be.
He’s a good guy, you can often find him at Rupp Arena cheering on the Wildcats.
Next: Mr. Basketball Tennessee