The jersey number 16 has a very limited but unique group of players attached to it in Kentucky basketball history. Only seven men have worn it, mostly during the program's early decades, but one player stands well above the rest based on college performance, impact, and legacy.
The #16 Club
Here are all the Wildcats who wore #16:
George Skinner (1930-1933)
- 4 career games, 1 total point.
Bob Taylor (1933-1936)
- 21 career games, 29 total points.
Carl Staker (1938-1942)
- 59 career games, 225 total points.
Ed Lander (1941-1943)
- 21 career games, 57 total points.
Walter Whittaker (1949-1950)
- 5 career games, 6 total points.
Lou Tsioropoulos (1950-1954)
- 84 career games, 709 total points.
1953-54 All-SEC Second Team (AP).
Member of Kentucky’s perfect season (25-0) in 1953-54.
The greatest #16: Lou Tsioropoulos
This one is actually one of the easier choices so far.
Lou Tsioropoulos is easily the most accomplished Wildcat to wear #16. A steady contributor and key piece on multiple outstanding Adolph Rupp teams, Tsioropoulos saved his best for last in the 1953-54 season, averaging over 14 points per game for an undefeated squad that was widely considered the best team in the nation (though unable to compete for the NCAA title due to eligibility disputes).
While his shooting percentages reflect the era’s style, his role on a national powerhouse can't be overstated. Tsioropoulos was a versatile forward who contributed not only scoring, but rebounding, defense, and leadership on some of Rupp's most loaded rosters. His 709 career points are miles ahead of anyone else who wore #16 at Kentucky.
Quick Career Snapshot:
- Total Games: 84
- Total Points: 709
- Career FG%: 32.5%
- Career FT%: 60.9%
- 1953-54 Honors: All-SEC Second Team (AP)
There you have it, it is just a small amount of players but each added to the legacy that is Kentucky basketball. Tomorrow we tackle number 17 on our path to the greatest player to wear each jersey number.