The current member of the Kentucky Wildcats basketball team to wear the number 15 is freshman DeMarcus Cousins. Cousins is another member of the freshman class brought in by coach John Calipari to restore Kentucky basketball to it rightful place atop the college basketball world. Cousins is quickly becoming an inside force for the Wildcats and is on his way to becoming one of the key components of this year's team success. Demarcus Cousins will definitely go down in UK history as making his mark on the number 15.
The first palyer to achieve legendary status with the Kentucky baskebtall program wearing the number 15 was Alex Groza. Groza was the the captain and star center on the University of Kentucky's 1948 Fabulous Five national basketball championship team. Groza was an outstanding player for the Wildcats and was an All-American for the 1846-47, 1947-48, and 1948-49 seasons. Groza's career points total at Kentucky was 1744 which currently places him 10th on the All-Time UK scoring list. Groza's number 15 is an officially retired jersey and he is a member of the UK Athletics Hall of Fame.
In the mid 1980's the number 15 appeared on the jersey of Ed Davender. Davender was an All-SEC performer in his junior and senior seasons. Davender played along UK legends Kenny Walker and Rex Chapman, graduating in 1988. Davender's 1637 career points place him just behind Groza in the 11th spot on the all-time UK scoring list.
During the 1990's, the number 15 belonged to fan favorite Jeff Sheppard. The Peachtree Georgia native came to Kentucky as a Parade All-American and quickly became a fan favorite. Sheppard's three point shooting and ability to take the ball to the rim made him an important member of the UK basketball program during one of its most successful eras. Sheppard was a member of the 1995-96 team that won the NCAA Championship under Rick Pitino. After redshirting due to injury for the 1996-97 season, Sheppard returned to the program for the 1997-98 season, leading the first Tubby Smith coached team to the National Championship.
Other members of the University of Kentucky basketball program who have worn the number 15 include J. Rice Walker, Stan Cluggish, Melvin Brewer, Reggie Warford, Steve WIlliams, Chris Gettelfinger, Matt Heissenbuttel and A.J. Stewart.
While Patterson has become my favorite UK player in my lifetime, Cousins wins me over too. When I heard that he volunteered to give up his starting spot in the 2nd half against Rider because Orton was doing so well, that just made me smile. All of these freshmen seem so unselfish. I really think that they will be incredible once they gel.
Kentucky Tailgating
Posted by: Kentucky Tailgating | 11/24/2009 at 03:41 PM
My husband's father was J. Rice Walker. He (J Rice) died in the early 60's. We are not sure how he died. My husband's mother was Betty Hagan Walker Baldwin Murray a graduate of Good Samaritan School of Nursing, Lexington Ky. They were married in Florence,
Italy after WWII, both being in the US ARMY.
Posted by: SUZANNE BALDWIN | 03/23/2010 at 10:40 PM