We continue rolling through our summer countdown ranking the greatest Wildcats by jersey number. Today: No. 21 — a number that may not be as crowded as others, but still brings several key contributors across the decades. From an NCAA champion, to a do-it-all wing, to a steady big man of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, No. 21 has had its moments.
Let’s start by acknowledging every Wildcat who wore the number:
📝 Wore no. 21 at Kentucky:
- Jake Bronston (1928–31)
- Harry Hurd (1959–62)
- Jim McDonald (1959–62)
- Terry Mills (1968–71)
- Steve Penhorwood (1970–71)
- Elmore Stephens (1971–72)
- Jack “Goose” Givens (1974–78)
- Terry Shigg (1986–87)
- Chris Jones (1988–89)
- Henry Thomas (1990–91)
- Cameron Mills (1994–98)
- Tayshaun Prince (1998–2002)
- Shagari Alleyne (2003–06)
- Perry Stevenson (2006–10)
- Tod Lanter (2012–15)
- Cam'Ron Fletcher (2020–21)
- Shaedon Sharpe (2021–22)
- D.J. Wagner (2023–24)
- Walker Horn (2022–25)
🥉 No. 3 – Terry Mills (1968–71)
Mills quietly put together a solid three-year career during a time when freshmen weren’t eligible to play varsity. He appeared in 63 games, scoring 424 points while shooting a respectable 47% from the field. Though not a household name, Mills was a steady contributor on Adolph Rupp's final squads, providing scoring, rebounding, and versatility in the frontcourt.
🥈 No. 2 – Tayshaun Prince (1998–2002)
The smooth, 6-9 wing was as graceful as he was skilled. Prince became a four-year starter, racking up 1,775 career points and earning 2001 SEC Player of the Year honors. His scoring ability, shot blocking, and defensive versatility made him one of Kentucky’s most complete players of the modern era. Few forget his five consecutive threes to open the game against North Carolina — one of Rupp Arena's signature moments.
🥇 No. 1 – Jack “Goose” Givens (1974–78)
Goose Givens is one of the true icons of Kentucky basketball history. He poured in 2,038 career points, won multiple All-American honors, and famously dropped 41 points in the 1978 national championship game to lead Kentucky to its fifth NCAA title. Givens’ No. 21 is forever cemented in the rafters, and his legacy remains one of the most celebrated in program history.
🚫 Shaedon Sharpe clause
For record-keeping: Shaedon Sharpe was assigned No. 21 but never appeared in a game. We list him for completion's sake, but because he never played of his own choice, it feels odd leaving him in.
🗣️ Let’s hear it, BBN:
Where do you rank Terry Mills among unsung Kentucky contributors?
Is Prince’s all-around game underappreciated nationally?
Can anyone ever challenge Goose at No. 21?
As always, join the conversation as we keep counting down this summer. Next up: No. 22 — and the competition only gets tougher.