There’s something about No. 11 — sleek, symmetrical, and often worn by a guard or a wing. For Kentucky basketball, that jersey has passed through generations of Wildcats, from Depression-era scorers to modern-day sharp-shooters. Some were sons of legends. Others became legends in March. One even wore it before heading to Oxford (not England — Ole Miss).
Today, we salute everyone who suited up for the Wildcats in jersey No. 11, a number with a surprisingly deep and diverse legacy in Lexington.
First, a roll call of No. 11 Wildcats:
George Yates, Milerd Anderson, Ralph Jackowski, Don Whitehead, Clyde Cooper, Shelby Linville, Herky Rupp, Randy Embry, Benny Spears, Bob McCowan, Dicky Beal, Sean Woods, Saul Smith, John Wall, Twany Beckham, Mychal Mulder, Dontaie Allen, Travis Perry
And now… let’s rank the top 5 Wildcats to ever wear No. 11. The only rule: what happened at UK stays at UK. No NBA legacy padding, no transfer resume inflation. Just what they did in the Blue and White.
🎖️ No. 5: Saul Smith (1997–2001)
Stats: 730 points | 364 assists | 268 rebounds | 143 games played
Yes, he was the coach’s son — but Saul Smith played real minutes in real games for four years. He quarterbacked a Final Four team, played in high-leverage March moments, and grew into a dependable, hard-nosed guard. He wasn’t flashy, but he was reliable. And that still matters. Some of you probably won't like this pick as his playing time was a big issue with fans, but he still put up solid numbers.
🏅No. 4: Sean Woods (1989–92)
Stats: 794 points | 482 assists | 144 steals | 91 games
Awards: All-NCAA Regional Team (1992)
Before “The Shot” happened, Sean Woods hit that shot — a miraculous, looping bank over a 7-footer that nearly beat Duke in 1992. But his legacy is more than one play. Woods was the floor general for the “Unforgettables,” a symbol of Kentucky’s return from probation and one of the most beloved teams in school history.
🥉 No. 3: Shelby Linville (1949–52)
Stats: 615 points | 448 rebounds | 103 assists
Awards: All-SEC Second Team (1951), NCAA Final Four Team
Linville was a frontcourt force in the early Adolph Rupp years, and part of the historic 1951 Final Four team. He played in an era before three-point lines or dunks, but still put up big numbers across three seasons, proving his worth as one of the top Wildcats of his day.
🥈 No. 2: Dicky Beal (1980–84)
Stats: 460 points | 301 assists | 85 steals | 52% FG
Awards: 1983-84 NCAA Regional Most Outstanding Player
Dicky Beal’s numbers were solid, but his impact came when it mattered most. In the 1984 NCAA Tournament, Beal put together one of the best regionals in school history, leading Kentucky to the Final Four and earning Most Outstanding Player honors. Tough, savvy, and clutch — a coach’s dream in March.
🥇 No. 1: John Wall (2009–10)
Stats: 616 points | 241 assists | 46.1% FG | 75.4% FT
Awards: SEC Player of the Year, SEC Tourney MVP, National Player of the Year (Rupp), First-Team All-American, Freshman of the Year, NCAA Regional All-Tournament Team
It’s hard to top a one-and-done who lit a fire under the program like Wall. He brought swagger, speed, and a dance that still lives rent-free in BBN memories. His 2009-10 campaign wasn’t just electric—it helped re-establish Kentucky as a national powerhouse under John Calipari. Without question, John Wall is the best No. 11 in UK history.
The verdict
From Wall’s one-year dominance to Woods' unforgettable leadership and Beal’s March heroics, the No. 11 jersey has carried stars, scrappers, and steady hands alike. And while the number won’t be hanging in the rafters anytime soon, it’s been worn by some unforgettable Wildcats.
Let us know — who’s your pick for the best No. 11 in Kentucky history? Stay tuned as our summer jersey countdown continues.