Over the summer, we're continuing our countdown of the best players to wear each jersey number in Kentucky basketball history. After highlighting the top Wildcat to wear No. 0, 00, 1, and 2, we now move on to No. 3—a number that has been worn by 22 players in program history. From All-Americans and SEC standouts to role players and NBA stars, No. 3 has seen its share of talent.
All Kentucky Wildcats to wear No. 3:
Bernard Opper, Lee Huber, Adrian Back, Wilbur Schu, Rex Chapman, Chris Harrison, Allen Edwards, J.P. Blevins, Ramel Bradley, Kevin Galloway, Darnell Dodson, Terrence Jones, Nerlens Noel, Tyler Ulis, Bam Adebayo, Hamidou Diallo, Keldon Johnson, Tyrese Maxey, Brandon Boston Jr., TyTy Washington, Adou Thiero.
Here are the top 10 players to ever wear No. 3 at Kentucky:
10. Bernard Opper (1936–39)
A consensus First-Team All-American in 1939, Opper was a scoring leader in his era. Though advanced stats are unavailable, his accolades speak volumes about his significance in UK’s early basketball success.
9. TyTy Washington (2021–22)
Washington showed poise and playmaking ability during his lone season, posting 12.5 PPG and 3.9 APG while making the SEC All-Freshman Team. Injuries limited him late, but his talent was evident.
8. Keldon Johnson (2018–19)
Johnson brought toughness and energy, averaging 13.5 PPG and 5.9 RPG as a freshman. He earned SEC All-Freshman honors and helped Kentucky reach the Elite Eight.
7. Ramel Bradley (2004–08)
A four-year contributor, Bradley developed into a key scorer, culminating in a senior season where he averaged 15.9 PPG and 3.4 APG. He earned Second-Team All-SEC honors in 2008 and was a steady leader during a transitional era.
6. Tyrese Maxey (2019–20)
Maxey’s lone season in Lexington was packed with highlights. He averaged 14.0 PPG, 4.3 RPG, and 3.2 APG while being named Second-Team All-SEC. His clutch shot-making and fearless demeanor made him a fan favorite.
Top 5 Kentucky players to wear number 3
5. Bam Adebayo (2016–17)
A bruising presence down low, Adebayo averaged 13.0 PPG and 8.0 RPG while shooting nearly 60% from the field. He made the SEC All-Freshman Team and was Second-Team All-SEC before becoming a lottery pick and NBA All-Star.
4. Nerlens Noel (2012–13)
Despite a shortened season due to injury, Noel was a dominant force. He averaged 10.5 PPG, 9.5 RPG, and 4.4 BPG. He swept multiple SEC awards including Freshman of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and made First-Team All-SEC.
3. Rex Chapman (1986–88)
Before the three-point boom, Chapman was already a sharpshooter. He averaged 19.3 PPG as a sophomore and earned First-Team All-SEC honors. An electric scorer and high-flyer, Chapman helped usher Kentucky basketball into the modern era.
2. Terrence Jones (2010–12)
A versatile forward, Jones made an instant impact with a 15.7 PPG, 8.8 RPG freshman season. He followed that with 12.3 PPG and 7.2 RPG while helping lead Kentucky to the 2012 National Championship. He was First-Team All-SEC in 2011 and Second-Team in 2012.
1. Tyler Ulis (2014–16)
Ulis had one of the most impactful two-year runs in Kentucky history. In 2015–16, he averaged 17.3 points, 7.0 assists, and was named SEC Player of the Year, SEC Defensive Player of the Year, and a Consensus First-Team All-American. A true floor general and fan favorite, he also won the Bob Cousy Award as the nation’s top point guard.
Just missed the cut:
Allen Edwards – A steady contributor and two-time national champion.
Hamidou Diallo – A high-flying athlete and All-Freshman honoree.
Brandon Boston Jr. – Inconsistent season during a tough year for UK.
Wilbur Schu – Solid numbers in the 1940s, but fewer accolades.
With a mix of championship contributors, All-SEC performers, and future pros, No. 3 is one of the most talent-rich numbers in Kentucky history. From Ulis to Chapman, and Jones to Adebayo, the jersey has been worn by some of the most dynamic players to ever wear the blue and white.
Stay tuned as we continue our summer series counting down the greatest to wear each jersey number in Kentucky basketball history.
Read Part 1 here: The Greatest Wildcat to Wear No. 0