The greatest Wildcat to ever wear 00
As we continue our countdown of the greatest Kentucky basketball players by jersey number, let's take a look back at the result from yesterday. The best player to wear #0 became a 3 person race with De'Aaron Fox, Rob Dillingham, and Ashton Hagans fighting it out. We chose Hagans because of his elite defensive contributions leading to a defensive player of the year in the SEC. BBN however chose Fox in a landslide. Today we turn our attention to one of the most iconic double-digit looks in college hoops — #00.
While not as commonly worn as other numbers, six Wildcats have donned double zero over the years. Some were athletic freaks. Others were early-era pioneers. And one — arguably — was a Final Four legend who helped deliver a national title to Big Blue Nation.
Just like with #0, this ranking is based only on what players did at Kentucky — no NBA success, pro stardom, or potential futures are factored in. Here's how the six Wildcats stack up, ranked from No. 6 to No. 1.
#6 – Adam Chiles (2000–01)
Chiles played just one season in Lexington and appeared in 16 games wearing 22 and 00, scoring a total of 13 points. He later transferred to Morehead State, but off-the-court issues cut his college career short. Based strictly on his Kentucky resume, Chiles finishes last in the #00 club.
#5 – Leroy Byrd (1983–86)
Random thought: when was the last time a Kentucky player ran thru the Senior Day hoop? That used to be a thing. Lately, they just kinda Frankenstein thru it. 😛 pic.twitter.com/NmJwRLDIYX
— Jeff Drummond (@JDrumUK) March 6, 2024
A three-year player under Joe B. Hall and Eddie Sutton, Byrd was a backup guard who totaled 38 games in his career and scored just over 20 points in total. While he stuck around and was known as a hard worker, he never carved out a rotation role. He lands at No. 5 due to longevity over production.
#4 – Marcus Lee (2013–16)
Lee made his name as a high-energy forward who could fly above the rim and change games defensively. He averaged 6.4 points and 6.0 rebounds as a junior in 2015–16 and became a fan favorite after his surprise performance in the 2014 Elite Eight win over Michigan. But with no double-digit scoring seasons and limited offensive impact, Lee finishes just outside the top three.
#3 – Jim “Frenchy” DeMoisey (1932–34)
A throwback to the early days of Kentucky basketball, DeMoisey earned All-American honors in 1934 and was twice named First-Team All-SEC. He averaged around 12 points per game in an era where that was elite scoring. “Frenchy” was one of UK’s first true stars, but comparing pre-Adolph Rupp stats to modern eras knocks him down a peg.
#2 – Otega Oweh (2024–25)
In his lone season at Kentucky (so far), Oweh emerged as one of the SEC’s top scorers. He started all 36 games, averaged 16.2 points per game, and earned All-SEC Second Team honors. His dunks, on-ball defense, and momentum-swinging plays made him a centerpiece under Mark Pope. With another season, Oweh could challenge for the top spot — but for now, he sits at No. 2.
#1 – Tony Delk (1992–96)
There’s no doubt who tops this list. Delk was a three-time All-SEC First Team selection, a consensus All-American, the 1996 SEC Player of the Year, and the Final Four Most Outstanding Player during Kentucky’s national championship run. He scored 1,890 career points and still ranks among the school’s all-time greats. When it comes to #00, Tony Delk is the gold standard.
Vote now!
Think we got it right? Think we are idiots? Cast your vote on X (Twitter) and Facebook to let us know who YOU think is the greatest Wildcat to ever wear #00.
Stay tuned tomorrow as we break down #1, where the field gets even deeper — and the debate a lot tougher.