In our ongoing series celebrating the best Kentucky Wildcats to ever wear each jersey number, today we turn to one of the most talent-rich digits in program history: number 5. Over the years, 21 players have worn the number for the Wildcats, each adding their own chapter to the program’s legendary story.
From championship veterans to explosive one-and-done stars, this list ranks the top 10 number 5s based solely on their accomplishments at Kentucky—taking into account stats, awards, and overall impact. NBA careers and other college play aren't considered, this is Kentucky games only.
Before we dive in, here’s the full list of every player to ever wear number 5 for Kentucky:
- Charles Worthington (1930–32)
- Edward Tierney (1933–35)
- John McIntosh (1934–37)
- James King (1939–42)
- Bill Cravens (1943–44)
- Alonzo Nelson (1944–45)
- John Stough (1944–49)
- Mike Ballenger (1981–82)
- Travis Ford (1991–94)
- Wayne Turner (1995–99)
- Nate Knight (1999–00)
- Josh Carrier (2001–05)
- Derrick Jasper (2006–08)
- Ramon Harris (2006–10)
- Jarrod Polson (2010–14)
- Andrew Harrison (2013–15)
- Malik Monk (2016–17)
- Kevin Knox (2017–18)
- Immanuel Quickley (2018–20)
- Terrence Clarke (2020–21)
- Collin Chandler (2024–present)
Top 5 Kentucky Wildcats to Wear Number 5
5. Andrew Harrison (2013–15)
Stats: 79 games, 10.1 PPG, 4.9 APG, 2.8 RPG
Awards: NCAA Tournament All-Regional Team (2014)
Impact: The starting point guard for two Final Four teams, Harrison ran the offense for the historic 38–1 2014–15 team.
4. Travis Ford (1991–94)
Stats: 103 games, 9.9 PPG, 5.2 APG, 43.8% FG
Awards: All-SEC Third Team (1993)
Impact: Ford was the floor leader during Kentucky’s return to national prominence under Rick Pitino, known for his court vision and shooting.
3. Immanuel Quickley (2018–20)
Stats: 67 games, 14.4 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 1.9 APG, 40.4% 3P
Awards: SEC Player of the Year, All-SEC First Team, First Team All-American (2020)
Impact: Quickley made a massive sophomore leap, becoming the heart of the 2019–20 team and one of Calipari’s best developmental success stories.
2. Malik Monk (2016–17)
Stats: 38 games, 19.8 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 2.3 APG, 39.7% 3P
Awards: SEC Player of the Year, Jerry West Award, All-American
Impact: Monk was an offensive force, scoring at will and delivering highlight-reel moments—none bigger than his 47-point game against UNC. A singularly spectacular season.
1. Wayne Turner (1995–99)
Stats: 151 games, 8.4 PPG, 3.8 APG, 2.7 RPG, 1.6 SPG
Awards: 2× NCAA Champion, NCAA All-Regional Team (1998)
Impact: The definition of a winner, Turner played more games than any Wildcat in history and won more of them too. His defense, leadership, and clutch play were essential to Kentucky's title runs.
Honorable mention
Kevin Knox (2017–18)
Stats: 37 games, 15.6 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1.4 APG
Awards: SEC Freshman of the Year, All-SEC First Team (2018)
Impact: Knox led Kentucky in scoring during his lone season, showcasing his versatility and earning top conference honors.
The debate: Monk vs. Turner
The battle for the top spot came down to Malik Monk’s brilliance vs. Wayne Turner’s legacy. Monk's electrifying 19.8 PPG season, full of highlight reels and awards, is one of the best individual campaigns in UK history. But Turner’s four-year run, two championships, and status as UK’s all-time leader in both games played and steals tip the scale.
Monk was magnificent. Turner was monumental.
Up Next: Stay tuned for tomorrow’s installment as we break down the best Wildcat to wear number 6!