Our summer countdown continues with one of Kentucky’s most talent-rich jersey numbers: No. 22. From All-Americans and stars to champions and glue guys, this number has left a big imprint across generations of Wildcat basketball.
As always, only stats and accolades earned at Kentucky count toward our rankings.
Here’s the complete list of players to wear No. 22:
Garland Lewis, Ronald Clark, Jerry Bird, Sid Cohen, Charles Ishmael, Gene Stewart, Mike Pratt, Larry Stamper, Steve Green, Truman Claytor, Ryan Hogan, Patrick Sparks, Alex Poythress, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Reid Travis, Cason Wallace, and Amari Williams.
Let’s count down the top three to ever wear the double-deuce in Lexington.
3. Alex Poythress (2012–2016)
Few Kentucky players have shown more resilience than Alex Poythress. After bursting onto the scene as an All-SEC Freshman, he battled through injuries — including a torn ACL — and still managed a 966-point, 597-rebound career over 112 games. He shot 55% from the field and finished with 99 blocks. Poythress was a critical presence on multiple tournament teams and embodied the toughness that came to define Kentucky’s frontcourt during the John Calipari era.
2. Jerry Bird (1953–1956)
A powerful forward from Corbin, Kentucky, Jerry Bird was a cornerstone of Adolph Rupp’s 1950s teams. He finished his UK career with 713 points and 589 rebounds, earning All-SEC honors and helping lead the Wildcats during a transitional era. Known for his rugged play and strong rebounding, Bird was a three-year starter and a leader in the paint. His impact was such that his No. 22 jersey is retired in the Rupp Arena rafters — a symbol of his enduring legacy in the Commonwealth.
1. Mike Pratt (1967–1970)
At the top of the No. 22 list is Mike Pratt, a standout player, beloved broadcaster, and enduring Kentucky icon. In just 81 games, Pratt tallied 1,359 points, 718 rebounds, and 281 assists. A two-time All-SEC First Team selection and Second Team All-American, Pratt played a pivotal role in Kentucky’s 1968 Final Four run and helped lead the Cats to three straight SEC titles. His jersey now hangs from the rafters in Rupp Arena — a well-earned tribute to both his on-court greatness and his decades of service to Big Blue Nation.
Final word
No. 22 is one of Kentucky’s most tradition-rich jersey numbers. From Mike Pratt’s dominance to Jerry Bird’s toughness, Poythress’s resilience, and SGA’s flash, this number has carried champions, legends, and fan favorites. There’s a reason it hangs in the rafters — twice.
Check back tomorrow as we move to No. 23 — a number that carries some legendary weight.