It’s one of the most sacred ceremonies in college basketball, but it’s a tradition that has been dormant for a decade. The last time a Kentucky Wildcat player saw his jersey lifted to the rafters of Rupp Arena was in 2015. That honor belonged to Tony Delk. Tubby Smith is the most recent honoree but his jersey is retired as a coach. Mike Pratt also had his number retired in 2022, but it also included his radio career. Since then, a new generation of legends has emerged, and titans from the past are still waiting for their call.
It's time to end the wait. The exclusive club of only 39 retired jerseys needs new members. Beyond just statistics, these are the players who defined eras, captured the hearts of a state, and built upon the Kentucky basketball legacy. Here are the five Wildcats who have earned the right to be next.
Antoine Walker: The champion
Before he was an NBA All-Star, "Toine" was a force of nature in Lexington. In just two seasons, he was a key cog in one of the most dominant college basketball teams ever assembled. He should be shimmying his way right up to the top of Rupp Arena after two incredible seasons that culminated in winning the 1996 national title. His versatility, passion, and knack for the big moment made him a fan favorite and a champion. Hang his jersey up.
Rex Chapman: The king
For a generation of Kentucky fans, Rex Chapman was Kentucky basketball. Before the one-and-done era, there was the two-and-done phenom known as "King Rex." Chapman's electrifying dunks and fearless scoring breathed life back into the program. He averaged 16 points per game as a freshman and a staggering 19 as a sophomore, earning SEC Freshman of the Year and two All-SEC selections before heading to the NBA in 1988. He is, and always will be, a campus legend. Long live the king.
Rajon Rondo: The genius
There may never be another point guard quite like Rajon Rondo. The Louisville native who chose the Cats was a basketball savant, seeing plays unfold three steps ahead of everyone else. While his outside shot was a known weakness, he did everything else at an elite level. Over his career, he averaged 9.6 points, 4.2 assists, and 2.3 steals, and even pulled down an incredible 6.1 rebounds per game as a sophomore. His combination of toughness, IQ, and transcendent passing ability makes him one of the most unique and deserving players in UK history. We may never see a player like Rondo ever again.
Ron Mercer: The scorer
When Kentucky needed a bucket, everyone knew where the ball was going, a baseline curl. In the 1996-97 season, Ron Mercer was the definition of a go-to scorer. Following the departure of Tony Delk, Mercer stepped up as the team's leader, averaging 18.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and shooting an efficient 49.3% from the field. He was named the SEC Player of the Year and a consensus First-Team All-American, leading the Wildcats to a second consecutive national championship game. His defense helped him stick for a few years in the NBA, but that 96-97 year is goated.
Anthony Davis: The phenom
What can you say about Anthony Davis's 2011-12 season? It might be the single most dominant freshman campaign in the history of college basketball. He was the National Player of the Year, the National Defensive Player of the Year, the Final Four Most Outstanding Player, and a National Champion. He averaged 14.2 points, 10.4 rebounds, and a mind-boggling 4.7 blocks per game. He changed the geometry of the court on defense and was the undisputed best player in the country on the nation's best team. His banner is not a matter of if, but when. And trust us, it should have been yesterday.
An honor long overdue
This list isn't exhaustive, and many other Wildcats—like Keith Bogans, John Wall, Ed Davender, and Jodie Meeks—also have compelling arguments for their numbers to be raised. There are just so many Kentucky legends who should look up and see their names at Rupp. But these five represent a cross-section of eras and accomplishments that are long overdue for permanent recognition in the rafters of Rupp. It's time to bring this cherished tradition back to life and get some more numbers up in the rafters.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time, he spends time with his family, and watching Premier League soccer. #UpTheAlbion