Kentucky basketball is a gold medal magnet

With Team USA's dominate win over Germany, the list of Kentucky Wildcat Gold Medalists grows even longer.
2025 Nike Hoop Summit
2025 Nike Hoop Summit | Soobum Im/GettyImages

Jasper Johnson brings another gold medal to Lexington

When it comes to international basketball success, few programs can match the University of Kentucky. From the Olympics to the U19 World Cup, Wildcats have helped bring gold home across generations. Whether representing Team USA or wearing blue and white at GLOBL JAM, Kentucky players have left their mark on the global stage.

Here is the complete list of Kentucky Wildcats who have won gold medals in FIBA-sanctioned competitions:

Olympic Games – Men’s Basketball

Cliff Barker (1948, London)

Ralph Beard (1948, London)

Alex Groza (1948, London)

Wallace “Wah Wah” Jones (1948, London)

Ken Rollins (1948, London)

Adrian Smith (1960, Rome)

Sam Bowie (1980, Moscow – honorary gold)

Tayshaun Prince (2008, Beijing)

Anthony Davis (2012, London; 2024, Paris)

DeMarcus Cousins (2016, Rio de Janeiro)

Bam Adebayo (2020, Tokyo; 2024, Paris)

Devin Booker (2020, Tokyo; 2024, Paris)

Keldon Johnson (2020, Tokyo)

FIBA World Cup

Anthony Davis (2014, Spain)

FIBA AmeriCup

Rhyne Howard (2021, San Juan)

Jasper Johnson (2024, Buenos Aires)

FIBA Americas U18 Championship

Rhyne Howard (2018, Mexico City)

FIBA U19 World Cup

Rhyne Howard (2019, Bangkok)

Jasper Johnson (2025, Lausanne)

GLOBL JAM (FIBA-sanctioned exhibition)

The entire team that traveled to the even was awarded a Gold, with Antonio Reeves being named MVP. The Cats were led by John Calipari and surprisingly that was his first tournament win since the last SEC tournament tile in 2018. Here is a look at each player:

  1. Rob Dillingham
  2. Justin Edwards
  3. Aaron Bradshaw
  4. Adou Thiero
  5. Tre Mitchell
  6. Antonio Reeves
  7. Grant Darbyshire
  8. Brennan Canada
  9. Reed Sheppard
  10. Joey Hart
  11. D.J. Wagner
  12. Walker Horn
  13. Jordan Burks
  14. Kareem Watkins
  15. Ugonna Onyenso

A tradition that transcends borders

From the legendary “Fabulous Five” in 1948 to rising stars like Jasper Johnson, Kentucky’s gold medal tradition spans nearly 80 years. It includes Olympic champions, World Cup winners, women’s basketball standouts, and young stars stepping up in international play.

Whether in London or Lausanne, San Juan or Toronto, when gold is on the line, Wildcats shine.