Picking an all-time starting five for Kentucky basketball is less a fun exercise and more a descent into madness. With eight national championships, 17 Final Four appearances, and more All-Americans than you can count, every choice means leaving off a legend. It's an impossible task. So, naturally, we did it anyway.
Here is our definitive all-time Kentucky Wildcats starting lineup.
Point guard: Ralph Beard
Today’s Treasure from my collection: Kentucky’s Ralph Beard was one of the most decorated players of his era, as a three time 1st team All American, a two time NCAA champion under Rupp and 1948 USA Olympic Gold Medalist. Ralph passed away in 2007. pic.twitter.com/vBugqYZ0qS
— Timothy Gallagher (@TimGall13) January 9, 2021
The engine of the "Fabulous Five" that won back-to-back titles in 1948 and 1949, Beard was a force of nature. A three-time First-Team All-American and the 1949 SEC Player of the Year, he was a tenacious defender and a brilliant offensive leader who simply knew how to win.
- Other Candidates: John Wall, Rajon Rondo, Kyle Macy
Shooting guard: Rex Chapman
"King Rex" was a phenomenon. Before the one-and-done era, Chapman was a two-year superstar who captured the imagination of the entire state. An explosive athlete with limitless range, he was named SEC Freshman of the Year and was a two-time All-SEC selection before becoming a lottery pick. His legend in Lexington is immortal.
- Other Candidates: Tony Delk, Jodie Meeks, Louie Dampier
Small forward: Jamal Mashburn
"Monster Mash" was the cornerstone of Rick Pitino's revival of the program. A consensus First-Team All-American and the 1993 SEC Player of the Year, Mashburn was an unstoppable force. His combination of size, skill, and shooting touch made him a matchup nightmare and carried the Cats to the 1993 Final Four.
- Other Candidates: Tayshaun Prince, Keith Bogans, Kenny Walker
Power Forward: Dan Issel
The greatest scorer in Kentucky history. "The Horse" was a three-time All-American who averaged an astonishing 33.9 points per game as a senior. His 2,138 career points remain the benchmark at UK. Issel was a relentless rebounder and a dominant interior presence and the greatest player to ever play at Kentucky.
- Other Candidates: Karl-Anthony Towns, Antoine Walker, Patrick Patterson
Center: Anthony Davis
While others have longer UK careers, no one had a more dominant single season. In 2012, Davis delivered perhaps the greatest individual season in modern college basketball history. He was the National Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Final Four Most Outstanding Player, and led the Wildcats to number 8.
- Other Candidates: DeMarcus Cousins, Bill Spivey, Cotton Nash
And yes, we will miss some of your favorites. But this is Kentucky basketball's Mount Rushmore. What say you BBN?
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time, he spends time with his family, and watching Premier League soccer. #UpTheAlbion