NEW ORLEANS, LA - APRIL 02: The Kentucky Wildcats celebrate after defeating the Kansas Jayhawks 67-59 in the National Championship Game of the 2012 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on April 2, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) /
NEW ORLEANS – MARCH 20: John Wall #11 of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts after making a three point shot against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the second round of the 2010 NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the New Orleans Arena on March 20, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
Why?:
One of the most iconic and electric players in the Calipari era. Was the only player to bring several ‘firsts’ to John Calipari’s new program: first to take charge on the national scene, first to bring the swagger back to a dead Kentucky program, first to make Big Blue Madness what it is today with the iconic “John Wall Dance”.
Led team to a 19-0 start and 35-3 record, becoming arguably the best team in the NCAA in just one season under John Calipari despite an Elite 8 finish.
16.6 PPG / 6.5 APG
SEC Player of the Year / SEC Freshman of the Year / SEC Tournament MVP
First Team All-American
Kentucky’s first No. 1 overall NBA draft pick (to Washington)
Broke the following Kentucky records: single-season assists (241), single-game assists (16)
Shooting Guard: Jamal Murray (2015-2016)
NASHVILLE, TN – MARCH 13: Jamal Murray #23 of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrates after the 82-77 OT win over the Texas A&M Aggies in the Championship Game of the SEC Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 13, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
Why?:
Perhaps the best pure scorer in the Calipari Era. Without Jamal, the 2015-2016 squad could have found themselves in a deeper hole than the 2012-2013 season.
20 PPG / 5.2 RPG / 2.2 APG
41% from three-point range / 113 three’s made
34 games in double-digits / Scored 15+ 31 times
2015 First Team All-SEC
Third Team All-American
No. 7 Overall pick to the Denver Nuggets
Small Forward: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (2011-2012)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – MARCH 31: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist #14 celebrates along with teammates after the Wildcats 69-61 victory against the Louisville Cardinals during the National Semifinal game of the 2012 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on March 31, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
Why?:
One of the best hustlers and defenders in Kentucky and college basketball history and founder of the infamous ‘Breakfast Club’.
12 PPG / 7.4 RPG / 1 SPG / 1 BPG
Second Team All-American
National-Champion (2012). Key plays in the biggest games (i.e. Final Four and National Championship Games)
Wooden Award Finalist (lost to teammate Anthony Davis)
No. 2 Overall pick to Charlotte
Power Forward: Anthony Davis (2011-2012)
LOS ANGELES, CA – JULY 11: University of Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari (L) and NBA New Orleans Hornets player Anthony Davis in the audience during the 2012 ESPY Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on July 11, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images) /
Why?:
Well, this one is a no brainer. How can you not put a generational star and college basketball icon on this list? Davis was one of the most dominant defensive players the game has ever seen and arguably the best player to ever dorn the blue and white.
Unanimous National Player of the Year
National Defensive Player of the Year
Final Four Most Outstanding Player
National Champion (2012)
#4 All-Time and #1 Freshman leader in single-season blocks (186)
14.2 PPG / 10.4 RPG / 4.7 (!!) BPG / 1.4 SPG
Kentucky’s second No.1 Overall Pick (to New Orleans)
Center: Karl-Anthony Towns (2014-2015)
CLEVELAND, OH – MARCH 28: Karl-Anthony Towns #12 of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts after being called for a foul in the second half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the Midwest Regional Final of the 2015 NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament at Quicken Loans Arena on March 28, 2015 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
Why?:
This one was tough. Big KAT gets the starting nod here because he is dependable. Towns rarely found himself in foul trouble and always brought a good performance. Perhaps the biggest ‘what-if’ in the Calipari era is Karl Towns not getting the ball in the 2015 Final Four, making Kentucky miss out on a perfect season and National Championship.
Leader and member of the 2015 team which won 38 consecutive games (one of two teams to ever win 38 games in a single season)
First Team All-American
10.3 PPG / 6.7 RPG / 2.3 BPG on a platoon team which saw him only getting 21.1 Minutes per Game
SEC Rookie of the Year
31.4 Player Efficiency Rating (third in the Calipari era)
Kentucky’s third No. 1 Overall Pick (to Minnesota)
