"King of Dunks" and former Kentucky legend resigns with Russian giant

Alex Poythress, the “King of Dunks,” extends career, and his Kentucky legacy, with Zenit

It’s been nearly a decade since Alex Poythress last suited up in Rupp Arena, but the former Kentucky forward just keeps soaring.

The 6-foot-7 high-flyer, best known in Lexington for his thunderous dunks and brutal strength in the post, has officially re-signed with Zenit Saint Petersburg, extending his contract through the 2025–26 season with an option for one more year.

This marks Poythress’ fourth year with the club, where he already holds the all-time scoring record for foreign players (1,659 points) and ranks third in total points overall. In 2024–25, he played all 60 games, averaging 9.8 points and 5.0 rebounds while helping Zenit to playoff success in the VTB United League.

He’s picked up titles along the way in Russia, Israel, and Italy, winning the Israeli League and Cup with Maccabi Tel Aviv and the Serie A title with Olimpia Milano. His trophy shelf is as full as it is global.

“I’ve been blessed to travel the world and still play the game I love,” Poythress said recently. “It’s a blessing.”

Kentucky fans often remember the heartbreaking “what if” — had Poythress not torn his ACL in 2014, would the Cats have gone 40–0? That undefeated season ended in the Final Four at the hands of Wisconsin, and Poythress, sidelined after just eight games, was forced to watch from the bench.

But what could’ve been doesn’t overshadow what was:

A career 8.6 PPG scorer over 112 games, Poythress was a cornerstone of Calipari’s early juggernauts. He played alongside Julius Randle, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Devin Booker — and always made his presence felt.

Now 31, the “King of Dunks” as coined by Zenit fans, has found a new kingdom in Europe, and his legacy continues to grow.

From Lexington to St. Petersburg, Poythress is still dunking, still winning, and still repping Big Blue.