Counting down the Cats: Best player to wear no. 4 in Kentucky basketball history

Number 4 does not have as deep as a legacy as number 3, but there have still be some really great players to pull number 4 over their heads and wear it proudly.
Florida v Kentucky
Florida v Kentucky | Silas Walker/GettyImages

Our summer tradition continues as we count down the greatest players to ever wear each jersey number in Kentucky basketball history. After a loaded debate at No. 3—where we sided with Tyler Ulis while BBN leaned Rex Chapman—we now turn to the storied No. 4 jersey.

18 Wildcats have worn the number, ranging from 1940s pioneers to future pros and key glue guys. From the early days of Harris Walker and Keith Farnsley to recent contributors like Tre Mitchell and Koby Brea, No. 4 carries a surprisingly deep and diverse legacy.

👕 Full list of players to wear no. 4 for the Wildcats

  • Harris Walker
  • Keith Farnsley
  • Bruce Boehler
  • Bill Chambers
  • Kyle Macy
  • Derrick Miller
  • Rodney Dent
  • Steve Masiello
  • Gerald Fitch
  • Rajon Rondo
  • Dusty Mills
  • Jon Hood
  • Charles Matthews
  • Nick Richards
  • Daimion Collins
  • Tre Mitchell
  • Koby Brea

Let's get to our pick for the best.

🏆 Top 5 Wildcats to wear no. 4

5. Derrick Miller (1987–90)
Miller made a major leap his senior year, posting 14.0 points per game while shooting over 40% from deep. His scoring punch helped bridge the program between the Eddie Sutton and Rick Pitino eras. Though he didn’t collect many awards, Miller was one of the top shooters of his time.

4. Gerald Fitch (2000–04)
A tough, reliable scorer and defender across four years, Fitch was the steady hand during some of Tubby Smith’s best teams. He averaged double figures in his final two seasons and earned Second-Team All-SEC in 2004. His leadership were invaluable during deep NCAA Tournament runs.

Rajon Rondo
Indiana Hoosiers v Kentucky Wildcats | Andy Lyons/GettyImages

3. Rajon Rondo (2004–06)
Before becoming an NBA champion and four-time All-Defensive Team member, Rondo was a wiry, disruptive guard at Kentucky. While his shooting was inconsistent, his playmaking, rebounding, and elite defense made him a game-changer. He averaged 11.2 PPG, 6.1 RPG, and 4.9 APG as a sophomore and earned Second-Team All-SEC honors.

Nick Richards
Tennessee v Kentucky | Andy Lyons/GettyImages

2. Nick Richards (2017–20)
It took time, but Richards blossomed into a dominant force by his junior season, averaging 14.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game. His breakout year earned him Second-Team All-SEC honors and helped anchor Kentucky’s frontcourt in 2019–20. A true testament to patience and development.

Kyle Macy
Phoenix Suns v Washington Bullets | Focus On Sport/GettyImages

1. Kyle Macy (1977–80)
The choice for No. 1 is clear. Macy was not only Kentucky’s floor general but one of the most efficient guards of his era. The 1980 SEC Player of the Year and a Consensus First-Team All-American, Macy averaged 15.7 PPG and shot a blistering 91.2% from the free-throw line his senior season. He was the heart of the 1978 national title team and remains one of the most beloved figures in program history.

Honorable mentions

Rodney Dent
Koby Brea
Tre Mitchell

From legends like Kyle Macy to modern mainstays like Tre Mitchell and Koby Brea, No. 4 has been worn by a wide range of Wildcats over the years. The position may change, the eras may evolve—but the jersey always carries a piece of Kentucky basketball history with it.

Stay tuned as we continue our countdown with No. 5 up next, featuring even more blue-blooded talent. Who will wear the crown next?