In the storied tradition of Kentucky basketball, the number 12 jersey has been worn by 26 different Wildcats—from early-era pioneers to modern-day stars. It’s a number that’s seen All-Americans, gritty glue guys, and program-shaping leaders.
As part of our summer series honoring the greatest players to wear each jersey number, we’re spotlighting the top 10 Wildcats to ever don No. 12. This ranking weighs stats, accolades, team impact, and legacy but only while at Kentucky, no NBA and no other schools. Let’s dive into the countdown.
10. Larry Johnson (1973–77)
A steady force during Kentucky’s 1970s resurgence, Johnson played in 112 games, tallying 850 points (7.6 PPG), 390 rebounds (3.5 RPG), and 319 assists (2.8 APG). He helped lead UK to the 1975 Final Four and a 1976 NIT title. Johnson earned All-SEC Third Team honors as a senior and delivered in the clutch throughout his four years.
9. Ted Deeken (1961–64)
A reliable forward in a transitional era, Deeken posted 757 points (11.8 PPG) and 438 rebounds (6.8 RPG) across 64 games. His 493-point campaign as a senior in 1963–64 showcased his consistency. Deeken’s rebounding and scoring punch helped keep Kentucky competitive in the early '60s.
8. Brandon Knight (2010-2011)
Brandon Knight was a scoring force for Kentucky and lead the Cats all the way to a Final Four, falling just 2 points short of a title game birth losing out to UCONN 56-55. He averaged 17 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists in his lone year in Lexington. He was also awarded NCAA Regional Most Outstanding Player; All-SEC [First Team (Coaches) Second Team (AP)]; All-SEC Tournament; and All-SEC Freshman Team.
7. Keion Brooks Jr. (2019–22)
A three-year contributor, Brooks finished with 660 points (8.3 PPG) and 352 rebounds (4.4 RPG) in 80 games. His junior year was his best, scoring 357 points while providing veteran leadership on a deep 2021–22 team. Brooks’ versatility and effort made him a valued presence on both ends of the floor.
6. Marion Cluggish (1937–40)
Cluggish played in 63 games during the low-scoring pre-war era, racking up 301 points (4.8 PPG). His 152-point senior season helped Kentucky remain a regional power under Adolph Rupp. Physical and reliable, Cluggish anchored the early Wildcats during a critical growth phase of the program.
5. Ellis Johnson (1930–33)
One of the earliest stars in Kentucky history, Johnson tallied 161 points in 49 games—impressive for the 1930s. He was named a Helms Foundation All-American in 1932–33 and earned multiple All-Conference honors. Johnson helped establish Kentucky as a southern basketball force before the SEC even existed.
4. Deron Feldhaus (1988–92)
A cornerstone of “The Unforgettables,” Feldhaus played 124 games and scored 1,232 points (9.9 PPG) with 540 rebounds (4.4 RPG). He shot 49.3% from the field and 37.5% from three, contributing during the program’s climb back from NCAA sanctions. His leadership and legacy were immortalized when his jersey was retired.
Top 3 number 12's for Kentucky men's basketball
3. Antonio Reeves (2022–24)
A transfer from Illinois State, Reeves exploded onto the SEC scene with elite shot-making. He scored 1,155 points (17.2 PPG) over two seasons, shooting 46.7% from the field and a blistering 42.2% from three. Reeves earned All-American honors and was named First Team All-SEC in 2023–24. His 667-point senior year led the Wildcats in scoring and clutch buckets.
2. Karl-Anthony Towns (2014–15)
A dominant one-and-done, Towns was the engine behind Kentucky’s historic 38–1 run in 2014–15. He averaged 10.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and shot 56.6% from the field. Towns earned Second Team All-America and SEC Freshman of the Year honors, and his defensive impact helped UK come within two wins of a perfect season.
1. Ralph Beard (1945–49)
At the top of the list is Ralph Beard, a cornerstone of Kentucky’s golden era. In 139 games, he scored 1,517 points (10.9 PPG), helping lead the Wildcats to back-to-back NCAA championships in 1948 and 1949. A three-time Consensus First Team All-American and four-time All-SEC honoree, Beard was the floor general of the “Fabulous Five.” His speed, leadership, and championship pedigree make him the greatest Wildcat to ever wear No. 12.
Honorable Mention
Tom Parker: SEC Player of the Year in 1972, Parker scored 1,238 points in three seasons.
The legacy of no. 12
The number 12 jersey at Kentucky has been worn by champions, All-Americans, and beloved role players alike: Ellis Johnson, Marion Cluggish, Vincent Splane, Nathaniel Buis, Ernest Sparkman, Ralph Beard, Billy Ray Cassady, Al Robinson, Ted Deeken, Frank Tully, Jim LeMaster, Tom Parker, Larry Johnson, Bo Lanter, Deron Feldhaus, Rodrick Rhodes, Todd Tackett, Bernard Cote, Preston LeMaster, Mark Krebs, Brandon Knight, Ryan Harrow, Karl-Anthony Towns, Brad Calipari, Keion Brooks, Antonio Reeves
Whether it was Beard leading UK to glory, Towns nearly delivering perfection, or Reeves lighting up the SEC, No. 12 has symbolized excellence across generations.
Who’s your favorite Wildcat to wear No. 12? Let us know as we keep counting down the greatest players by jersey number in Kentucky basketball history.