Homegrown Hero: The Unforgettable Legacy of Jack "Goose" Givens
In part 1 of our study on the best Bluegrass born Kentucky players, we told the story Derek Anderson. Anderson took a winding path to Kentucky after transferring from Ohio State, but today's honoree played his whole collegiate career in Lexington. We are talking about the one and only Goose.
Jack "Goose" Givens was my father’s favorite player. Growing up in Kentucky, there was something magical about hearing stories of the legendary Wildcat teams and the players who wore that jersey with pride. Tales of homegrown stars like Givens didn’t just celebrate the past—they gave every kid shooting hoops in their backyard a glimmer of hope that one day, they too might step onto the floor at Rupp Arena wearing Kentucky blue. And no story shined brighter than the one my dad told most often: the night Givens dominated Duke, pouring in 41 points on the biggest stage to deliver Kentucky its fifth national title. 🏀
That performance wasn't just a great game; it was the stuff of legends, a story passed down through generations of the Big Blue Nation.
From Lexington's Bryan Station to UK Stardom
Born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky, Jack Givens wasn’t just a hometown kid who made it to Rupp Arena—he became one of the most iconic players in Wildcat history. A standout at Bryan Station High School and a Parade All-American, Givens was a monumental recruiting win for Coach Joe B. Hall. Keeping the best in-state talent at the University of Kentucky has always been a cornerstone of the program's success, a lesson Hall learned well during his time playing for and coaching alongside the legendary Adolph Rupp.
Givens' decision to stay home made him an instant fan favorite, but his performance on the court etched his name in college basketball history. Alongside teammates like Rick Robey, Kyle Macy, and James Lee, Givens was a key part of "The Season of No Regrets," a senior-laden team determined to bring a championship back to the Bluegrass. His smooth, high-arcing jump shot became his signature, earning him the nickname "Goose" for the graceful gooseneck follow-through on his release.
The 1978 NCAA Championship: A legendary night
The defining moment of Givens's career came on that unforgettable night—March 27, 1978, in St. Louis. In the NCAA Championship game against the Duke Blue Devils, he delivered one of the most masterful offensive displays in tournament history. Givens was simply unstoppable, scoring a career-high 41 points on an incredibly efficient 18-of-27 shooting from the field.
He scored from everywhere—mid-range jumpers, drives to the basket, and clutch shots that repeatedly crushed Duke's hopes of a comeback. This offensive explosion carried Kentucky to a 94-88 victory, securing the program's fifth national title and its first in 20 years. Beating Duke is always a cause for celebration in Big Blue Nation, but to do it for a national championship elevates a player to legendary status. To this day, fans still regard it as one of the greatest individual efforts in NCAA Final Four history, and it earned him the Most Outstanding Player award for the tournament.
Life after Kentucky: Pro career and broadcasting
Following his historic collegiate career, Givens was selected as the 16th overall pick in the 1978 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks. He played two seasons in the NBA with the Hawks before continuing his professional career overseas in Italy and Japan.
After retiring from playing, Jack Givens never strayed far from the game he loved or the state that adored him. He transitioned into a successful career in broadcasting, where he has served as a color analyst for the UK Sports Network and a co-host for the popular "Big Blue Nation" call-in show. His insightful analysis and deep connection to the program have made him a beloved voice for a new generation of Kentucky fans, bridging the gap between the program's storied past and its present.
His jersey, #21, was retired by the University of Kentucky, and it hangs in the rafters of Rupp Arena as a permanent tribute to the Lexington kid who delivered a championship. More than just a basketball player, Jack "Goose" Givens remains a symbol of hometown pride and proof that sometimes, the biggest heroes are the ones who grow up right in your own backyard.
Career accomplishments at Kentucky (1974–1978):
- 1,693 career points (12th all-time at UK when he graduated)
- 13.9 points per game over 122 career games
- 6.1 rebounds per game
- 53% FG percentage
- 1978 Final Four Most Outstanding Player after 41-point title game performance
- 1978 NCAA Champion, 3x All-SEC selection (76, 77, 78)
- Coneensus Second-Team All-American (78)
- SEC tournament champion (76, 78)