Kentucky basketball’s most worn jersey number
Kentucky basketball isn’t just a program—it’s a tradition. With more than a century of history, Big Blue Nation has seen legends rise, banners hang, and jersey numbers become synonymous with greatness. But one question rises above the box scores: which jersey number has been worn by the most players in Kentucky basketball history?
Two numbers are tied at the top: #12 and #25, each worn by 25 players according to bigbluehistory.net. Here’s a breakdown of each, the legends behind them, and which one truly defines Kentucky basketball.
Full list of players who wore #12 (25 Players)
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
Full list of players who wore #25 (25 Players)
Leroy Edwards, Russell Ellington, Chester Duff, Jim Line, Dan Swartz, Pete Grigsby, Terry Mobley, Tommy Porter, Larry Steele, Wendell Lyons, David Miller, Jay Shidler, Winston Bennett, LeRon Ellis, Skip McGaw, Jody Thompson, Aminu Timberlake, Anthony Epps, Myron Anthony, Adam Williams, Morakinyo Williams, Marquis Teague, Dominique Hawkins, P.J. Washington, Kareem Watkins
Since there is a tie though, we gotta break it and find out which number is the greatest.
The case for #12: Championships and stars
Jersey #12 has long been associated with championship runs and top-tier talent per bigbluehistory.net.
- Ralph Beard (1940s): Three-time All-American, two national championships (1948, 1949)
- Karl-Anthony Towns (2014–15): Consensus All-American and centerpiece of a 38–1 team
- Brandon Knight (2010–11): Led UK to the Final Four with clutch shooting
- Antonio Reeves (2023–24): High-volume scorer and All-SEC leader
Championship Years with #12 on the roster: 1948, 1949, 2012
All-Americans Wearing #12: Ralph Beard (3x), Karl-Anthony Towns
#12 has been a constant through eras, from the Adolph Rupp dynasty to John Calipari’s NBA pipeline.
The case for #25: Depth, heart, and role player greatness
The #25 jersey doesn’t boast as many All-Americans, but it’s rich in championship contributions and unsung heroes according to bigbluehistory.net.
- Anthony Epps (1993–97): Starting point guard for the 1996 national title team
- Marquis Teague (2011–12): Floor general during the 2012 national championship
- P.J. Washington (2018–19): All-SEC forward and Elite Eight anchor
- Jay Shidler and Dominique Hawkins: Fan favorites who brought energy and toughness
Championship Years with #25 on the roster: 1996, 2012
All-Americans wearing #25: Leroy Edwards (1935)
#25 has produced glue guys and leaders who powered deep tournament runs without always grabbing headlines.
Honorable mention: #10 (23 Players)
A close third in popularity, jersey #10 has been worn by 23 Wildcats, including:
William Kleiser, Sam Potter, Elmo Head, Layton Rouse, Gerry Calvert, Lincoln Collinsworth, Lowell Hughes, Edward Mason, Louie Dampier, Jim Dinwiddie, Ray Edelman, Joey Holland, Dirk Minniefield, James Blackmon, Tony Mathis, Andre Riddick, Keith Bogans, Lukasz Obrzut, Landon Slone, Archie Goodwin, Jonny David, Johnny Juzang, Davion Mintz, Brandon Garrison
From Louie Dampier to Keith Bogans and beyond, #10 is packed with contributors but falls just 2 short.
#12 takes the cake
While both #12 and #25 boast 25 players, #12 takes the crown based on legacy. With three national championships, multiple All-Americans, and iconic players like Ralph Beard, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Brandon Knight, #12 stands taller.
#25 has its place—built on heart and hustle—but #12 carries the star power that defines Kentucky basketball.
Which number means the most to you?
Is your favorite #12, worn by All-Americans and title winners? Or #25, a number that represents a lot of glue guys? Maybe it’s #10 or another number that means something to you. Either way, the numbers on the jerseys are more than digits—they’re chapters in the story of Kentucky basketball.
Let us know your pick. Because at Kentucky, greatness is worn on the front and back.