When people think of Kentucky basketball alums making waves in the NBA, they often picture high-flying dunks, dominant big men, and elite scorers. But in recent years, former Wildcats have found another way to shine—beyond the arc.
Kentucky now boasts three different NBA Three-Point Contest winners, with Tyler Herro claiming the crown in 2024, Devin Booker draining his way to victory in 2018, and, perhaps most surprisingly, Karl-Anthony Towns stunning win in 2022. Which was the most surprising to you?
No one was surprised when Tyler Herro won this year’s Three-Point Contest. The Miami Heat sharpshooter has made a name for himself as one of the most dangerous perimeter threats in the league, capable of pulling up from deep with ease.
Herro’s smooth shooting stroke and confidence made him a perfect candidate for this event, and he delivered. With a quick release and impeccable rhythm, he outpaced some of the NBA’s best shooters, adding another accolade to his growing résumé.
Devin Booker: 2018 Champion
Devin Booker’s 2018 Three-Point Contest win felt inevitable. The Phoenix Suns star has been one of the purest shooters in the NBA since his Kentucky days, where he came off the bench for John Calipari’s loaded 2014-15 squad.
Booker put on a show in the final round that year, pouring in 28 points to set a then-record for the event. His effortless stroke and ability to catch fire quickly made him a natural fit for the competition, and his performance cemented his reputation as one of the league’s premier scorers.
Karl-Anthony Towns: 2022’s Biggest Shock
And then… there’s Karl-Anthony Towns.
The 7-footer winning the Three-Point Contest in 2022 was nothing short of shocking. While Towns had developed a reputation as one of the best shooting big men in NBA history, few expected him to outshoot a field of elite guards.
But Towns embraced the moment and his high-arcing shots found the bottom of the net again and again. By the end of the night, he had defied expectations and taken home the trophy.
Kentucky Basketball's Shooting Legacy Grows
With more Kentucky alums lighting up the NBA every year, don’t be surprised if another Wildcat joins this exclusive club in the future.