Some players come to Kentucky and shine as stars. Others embrace a smaller role, sacrifice for the team, and still leave a lasting impact. Ansley Almonor was the latter, and Big Blue Nation will never forget him for it.
His time in Lexington was short, but it was special. As he bid farewell, his message was simple yet heartfelt:
“Thank you for everything BBN! Love Y’all 💙💙💙”
For a player who once helped orchestrate a 16-seed over 1-seed Cinderella upset with Fairleigh Dickinson, Almonor’s journey to Kentucky was unlikely. But he made the most of it. He didn’t come here to be the star—he came to help the Wildcats win.
A Record-Breaking Season in a Limited Role
In an era where players often seek more shots and more minutes, Almonor did the opposite. He went from:
32 minutes per game to 14
12 shot attempts per game to 3
And he did it with a smile.
Despite the reduced role, he made history. Almonor became the first player in Kentucky history to shoot at least 50% from the field, 40% from three, and 90% from the free-throw line in a single season (minimum 100 FG attempts, 50 three-point attempts, 25 free throws).
His efficiency was elite:
50.4% FG
42.4% 3PT
90.6% FT
A sharpshooter. A team player. A Wildcat through and through.
A True Appreciation for Kentucky
Throughout the season, Almonor never hid his love for playing in Lexington. After a win over Troy, he told Tristan Pharis:
“It’s been a complete blessing. I thank God every day for putting me in a position to wear this jersey. Be able to represent this state and BBN.”
He meant every word. He embraced the fans, the culture, and the expectations that come with playing at Kentucky. And in return, BBN embraced him right back.
A Wildcat Forever
Almonor’s story at Kentucky wasn’t about gaudy numbers or highlight-reel plays. It was about sacrifice, efficiency, and team-first basketball.
He may be moving on, but one thing is certain: No matter where his career takes him, he’ll always have a Big Blue home.