UK Wildcats Blog

UK in the NBA: Kenny Walker

The Kentucky basketball program has had numerous stars continue their careers in the National Basketball Association. Today we take a look at Kenny "Sky" Walker and his years as a player in the NBA.

After a spectacular career as a Kentucky Wildcat, Kenny entered the 1986 NBA draft after his senior season. The New York Knicks selected Walker with the 5th overall pick. Kenny spent five seasons playing for the Knicks.

The most memorable moment of Walker's career with the Knicks came on February 6, 1989. Kenny Walker entered the NBA's Slam Dunk Competition and came into the contest as a relatively unknown dunking star, outside of Kentucky. Competing just a few days after the death of his father, Walker stunned the sports world with his stylish dunks and took home the NBA Slam Dunk Championship.

After a few seasons playing overseas, Walker would finish his NBA career with two seasons playing for the Washington Bullets.

John Wall lands Sports Illustrated cover - UK SI cover history

University of Kentucky freshman star John Wall finds himself the cover man of this week's Sports Illustrated. The cover shot deems Wall "the Great Wall of Kentucky". The cover boldly proclaims Wall as the best college basketball player in the country.

Kentucky fans have had a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness a true future star don the Kentucky uniform for the 2009-10 basketball season. Wall has already achieved a place among the greatest freshman to ever play for Kentucky, joining players like Rex Chapman and Jamal Mashburn as all-time great UK freshman. It is extremely likely we are watching Wall's only NCAA season, though there might still be some small chance he returns. As soon as Wall declares for the NBA draft, he will be the overall number one selection and will be a Kentucky fan favorite in the NBA for many years.

Wall's appearance on the cover of SI is not the first for a Kentucky player. Many great Kentucky teams, players and coaches have graced the cover since the 1960's. One of the earliest SI covers to showcase a Kentucky player was this one from 1962. This Sports Illustrated cover features former UK great Cotton Nash. In 1966, Kentucky was featured on the cover twice, once with legendary coach Adolph Rupp on the cover and again with Pat Riley on the cover from the 1966 NCAA Championship game.

In the 1970's, the Wildcats were featured three times, once in 1970 when Dan Issel joined three other players on the cover, again in 1975 when Mike Flynn was on the cover, and again in 1978. The 1978 cover features Kentucky legend Jack "Goose" Givens and his unforgettable performance in the 1978 National Championship game. Givens dropped 41 points in the game against Duke, giving Kentucky their fifth National Championship and first for coach Joe B. Hall.

In the 1980's, freshman phenom Rex Chapman shared the cover with football player Brian Bosworth in 1987. The other SI cover from the 1980's was the infamous Kentucky Shame cover that chronicled one of the darkest times in the history of the program. Probably one of the best SI covers ever for a Kentucky player came out in 1983. The cover featured an unforgettable image of Sam Bowie rejecting the shot of a Louisville player and had the headline Sam Bam! The issue chronicled UK's historic win over the rival Cardinals in 1983.

In the 1990's, the Wildcats dominated the college basketball landscape and graced the cover of Sports Illustrated multiple times. The most noteworthy appearance to Wildcat fans are the covers that commemorate the National Championship wins of 1996 and 1998. Other players featured on SI covers in the 1990's include Antoine Walker, Nazr Muhammed, Wayne Turner, and coaches Tubby Smith and Rick Pitino.

In 2009, current Kentucky superstar Patrick Patterson graced the cover of the College Basketball preview issue. The preview issue dubbed Kentucky as the pre-season number 5 team in the country, signaling their return to college basketball dominance with the arrival of John Calipari and a great freshman class. It is quite likely that we have not seen the last UK themed SI cover this season. Could there be another Championship issue featuring the Wildcats at the end of this season?

Here is a look at the other UK Sports Illustrated covers from the past: (click on all the images for larger views)

Great Performances: Tayshaun Prince 2001

As this Saturday's game against North Carolina approaches, you can't help but remember a historic game against the Tarheels several seasons ago. In December of 2001, Kentucky fans witnessed one of the most spectacular individual performances in the history of the program. The date was December 8, 2001 and the Wildcats were at Rupp Arena to take on long time rival, the North Carolina Tarheels.

As the game got underway, it quickly became apparent that something special was about to take place. Tayshaun Prince scored the first points for the Wildcats with a quick three point shot. As the Wildcats came back down the court on offense, Prince put up a three point shot and scored again. On the next possession, Prince launched another three and it went in as well. The crowd at Rupp Arena was about to go crazy and the CBS announcers on the broadcast began to sense that they were about to witness something great.

Prince came down the floor for a fourth time and scored again from behind the three point line, giving him four in a row. As the crowd went wild, the ball found its way into the hands of Tayshaun Prince once again. The first four three pointers were great, but what was about to happen next goes down as one of the greatest moments in Kentucky basketball history. Prince dribbled across half court and launched a three point shot from just steps beyond that mid court line. The long range shot went in, giving him five three pointers in a row and 15 points to start the game. The shot was by far one of the most spectacular plays that fans in Rupp Arena had ever witnessed.

Prince would go on to finish the game with 31 points, 11 rebounds, 4 steals and 4 assists. The Wildcats defeated the North Carolina Tarheels by a score of 79-59. Prince's performance against the Tarheels that December day cemented his place in the hearts of Wildcat fans and secured his place in the history books of Kentucky basketball.

UK Classic Player Profile: Kenny Walker

One of the most popular players ever to wear the blue and white was Kenny "Sky" Walker. Walker came to Kentucky from Roberta, Georgia after being voted Mr. Basketball in the state of Georgia in 1982. Walker arrived in Lexington as a Parade and McDonald's All-American.

Walker joined the Wildcats program for the 1982-83 season. Walker played in 31 games that season and it was easy to see the beginnings of the incredible athleticism and talent he possessed.

During Walker's sophomore season of 1983-84, the Wildcats made a trip to the Final Four. Walker was a key member of the team that included the Twin Towers of Sam Bowie and Melvin Turpin. Walker nearly doubled the number of points scored over his freshman season and was a key member of that memorable Kentucky team. Walker was voted by the coaches in the SEC as a member of the All-SEC First Team. The Wildcats finished the season with a record of 29-5.

After the graduation of the Twin Towers, Walker became the team's star and leader for the 1984-85 season. Walker teamed with sophomore Winston Bennett to try and fill the void left by the loss of the core of the previous Wildcat team.The 1984-85 team struggled to an 18-13 record in what would become Joe B. Hall's last season as head coach. Despite the team's struggles, Walker emerged as a nationally known player. Walker was voted as a second team All-American, was the SEC player of the year, and was voted first team All-SEC.

The 1985-86 season would signal a big change for the Wildcats. New coach Eddie Sutton had arrived and the expectations were high for the team and for Walker. Kenny's high flying talent took center stage and the team soared to a 32-4 record. Walker finished the season as a 1st team All-American and was voted the SEC player of the year. Walker ended his Kentucky career as the second leading scorer in Kentucky men's basketball history with 2080 points.

After his Kentucky career was over, Walker was drafted #5 overall by the New York Knicks in the 1986 NBA draft. Walker went on to have a successful NBA career until injuries cut his career short early. Walker's most noteworthy NBA accomplishment was winning the 1989 NBA Slam Dunk Championship.

Walker's #34 jersey is officially retired and hangs in the rafters of Rupp Arena. Kenny was inducted into the UK Athletics Hall of Fame with its inaugural class in 2005. Walker still resides in Lexington and can be seen at games and other UK events. He can also be heard providing commentary on the Kentucky basketball program on the radio. Kenny Walker's high flying style, cool personality and his contribution to the history of the Kentucky basketball program cemented him as one of the all-time fan favorite Wildcats ever.

John Wall sets freshman assist record

In the game between Kentucky and UNC-Asheville, Wildcat freshman John Wall set a new assist record for freshman by serving up 14 in the 94-57 win. Wall spent the entire evening serving up alley-oops to every big man on the floor and produced some of the most spectacular slam dunks of the season. Wall's performance was another that showed the incredible talent of this young player and gives a good indication of what Wildcat fans can expect as this season goes on. DeMarcus Cousins, who had 24 points, and Patrick Patterson, who had 17, were the biggest beneficiaries of Wall's stellar assist performance.

Wall came up one assist short of the all-time single game record for a Kentucky player. The record for assists in a game is held by former Wildcat Travis Ford. Travis Ford dished out 15 assists in December of 1993 in a 107-78 win against Eastern Kentucky. Ford's performance has gone unchallenged for sixteen years, but based on the performance of John Wall against UNC-Asheville, Ford's record may get several challenges again before the 2009-10 season is over.

Wall's 14 assists in a game tied him for second on the individual game assist record list with former Wildcats Dicky Beal and Dirk Minnifield. Both Minnifield and Beal were popular players from the early and mid 1980's. Minnifield dished out his 14 assists in a 93-79 victory over Villanova in December of 1982. Beal handed out his 14 assists in a 93-68 win over Brigham Young just two years later in March of 1984.

Ford, Minnifield and Beal are a huge part of the history of Kentucky basketball. All three had outstanding careers for the Wildcats and have become a big part of the storied history of the Kentucky basketball tradition. It is quite likely that John Wall will take aim at their records many times this year and will join, and likely surpass these three memorable Kentucky point guards as an all-time legend.

UK Classic Player Profile: Roger Harden

Roger Harden came to the Kentucky Wildcats basketball program from Valparaiso, Indiana. Harden was Mr. Basketball in the state of Indiana in 1982. In addition to his honors as Indiana's Mr. Basketball, Harden was also a Parade All-American and a member of the McDonald's All-American team.

Harden's first season with the Wildcats was the 1982-83 season. Roger was a member of the memorable 1983-84 Final Four team in his sophomore season. Harden's role with the team increased in his junior season of 1984-85, where he played on a team that featured Kenny Walker, James Blackmon, Leroy Byrd and Winston Bennett. Roger's playing time and role increased during his senior season of 1985-86. Harden left UK with 498 career assists. Harden was drafted in the fifth round of the NBA Draft in 1986 by the Los Angeles Lakers.

One little known fact makes Roger Harden the answer to a great UK trivia question. The Kentucky basketball program switched shoe companies from Converse to Nike for the 1984-85 season. The team would begin wearing the famous Kentucky Dunk shoe from Nike. While the entire team made the switch, Roger Harden continued to wear Converse shoes on the court for the Wildcats. Harden's father worked with Converse and Roger continued to wear his Converse shoes due to this affiliation. While the rest of the team was wearing the very colorful Nike shoe, Harden could still be seen wearing his simple white Converse shoes. After his UK career was over, Harden himself would spend time working for Converse as well.

UK by the Numbers: 24

The number 24 has been worn by many memorable stars over the course of the history of Kentucky Basketball. For the 2009-10 season, the number 24 will be worn by freshman Eric Bledsoe. Bledsoe joined the Wildcats program as the third rated point guard in the nation. In his senior season at Parker High School in Alabama, Bledsoe averaged 20 points, 9 rebounds and 11 assists per game. Bledsoe's performance in the exhibition game against Campbellsville has Wildcat fans excited about the contributions this young player will make to the UK program. Bledsoe is another piece of the great freshman class of 2009-10 and should leave his mark on the number 24 at the University of Kentucky before his career is over.

The number 24 has been worn by 14 different players at the University of Kentucky. All-American Johnny Cox was the second player at Kentucky to wear the number. Other players to wear the number were Malcolm McMullen, Larry Pursiful, Bob Tallent, Greg Starrick, Larry Miller, Mike Flynn and Brad Lawless.

During the era of the Twin Towers at Kentucky, the number 24 was worn by Bret Bearup. Bearup arrived at UK during the Joe B. Hall era after being a Parade and McDonald's All-American. Bearup was a popular player with UK fans and was a key contributor on the 1983-84 team that played their way all the way to the Final Four.

The 1990-91 season saw the arrival of freshman Jamal Mashburn. Mashburn is likely the most memorable player to ever wear the number 24 at Kentucky. Mashburn was the first top recruit of the Rick Pitino era and would go on to lead a renaissance of Kentucky Basketball during his three seasons. The number 24 will always be associated with the Monster Mash. Mashburn's number 24 hangs in the rafters at Rupp Arena and is an officially retired jersey number.

Later in the Rick Pitino era, the number 24 would become the property of Antoine Walker. Walker was a key player in one of the greatest eras in UK basketball history. Walker was a member of the 1996 National Championship team that was considered by many as one of the most talented teams ever assembled.

During the Tubby Smith era, two players donned the number 24 for the Wildcats. The number was worn by the late Marvin Stone from 1999 until 2003. The number would then become the property of Kelenna Azubuike. Azubuike arrived at UK with  a reputation as a high scoring player. Azubuike became an all-SEC player and has gone on to have a successful career in the NBA.

UK Classic Player Profile: Kyle Macy

One of the most popular players to ever wear a Kentucky uniform was guard Kyle Macy. After transferring from Purdue, Macy began his career as a Kentucky Wildcat during the 1977-78 season where he was a member of that National Championship winning team. During that season, Macy was recognized as a 3rd Team All-American, All SEC, and earned the NCAA Regional Most Outstanding Player. Macy's impact on the program was apparent right at the start of his career and it was obvious that he was on his way to becoming a fan favorite.

During the 1978-79 season, Macy again earned All-American honors along with a 1st Team All-SEC designation. In addition to his on court honors, Macy was also named an Academic All-American.

In his senior season at Kentucky, Macy would continue to develop as one of the best players in college basketball. The 1979-80 season would see Kyle achieve consensus First-Team All-American honors. Macy was also honored as the SEC Player of the Year.

Macy was also famous for his unique free throw shooting style. Many young Wildcat fans grew up wiping their hands on their socks in a tribute to this Wildcat Legend and his famous free throw shooting routine.

After his senior season at Kentucky, Macy was drafted in the NBA by the Phoenix Suns with the 22nd pick in the first round. Macy also spent time with the Chicago Bulls and the Indiana Pacers. Macy was a participant in the first NBAThree Point Contest in 1986. Macy's post-NBA career has included coaching at Morehead State, working on UK basketball broadcasts and he is currently the head coach and VP of Basketball Operations of the ABA Bluegrass Stallions.

UK Classic Player Profile: Rex Chapman

One of the most exciting players ever to don a University of Kentucky basketball uniform was Rex Chapman. A high school superstar at Apollo High School in Owensboro, Chapman was a highly recruited player. After choosing to become a part of the Kentucky basketball tradition, Chapman arrived at UK with much hype and national media attention.

Chapman was famous for his remarkable three point shooting, incredible ability to score in large numbers, and his spectacular dunks. In his two seasons at Kentucky, Chapman was named to the All-SEC team both years and led the Wildcats to the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA Tournament in 1988. Chapman scored 38 points in that game against Villanova. Chapman scored 1073 points in his two year Kentucky career, which is currently 48th on the all-time list.

After only two seasons, Rex Chapman declared for eligibility in the NBA draft. Chapman was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets with the 8th overall pick in the 1988 NBA Draft. While playing with the Charlotte Hornets, Chapman finished second to Dominique Wilkins in the 1990 NBA Slam Dunk Competition. Chapman's NBA career also included playing for the Washington Bullets, Miami Heat and the Phoenix Suns. Chapman currently serves as the Vice President of Player Personnel for the Denver Nuggets.

UK Classic Player Profile: Jamal Mashburn

One Kentucky Wildcats player who holds a special place in the hearts of UK basketball fans is Jamal Mashburn. Mashburn arrived at Kentucky shortly after the probation era and the arrival of coach Rick Pitino. Mashburn was the first blue chip star to sign with the Wildcats since that time and would go on to become a key player in the resurrection of the Kentucky basketball program. Mashburn arrived at Kentucky after being named Mr. Basketball in the state of New York in 1990 and as a Parade All-American.

Mashburn had an instant impact at Kentucky in his freshman year. He helped lead the WIldcats to a 22-6 record and was named to the All-SEC Freshman team and was a 3rd team All-SEC player.

In his sophomore season, Mashburn was a member of one of the most loved teams in UK history. The 1991-92 team, dubbed the Unforgettables, posted a 29-7 record and were one step away from the Final Four, losing to the Duke Blue Devils in one of the greatest college basketball games ever played 104-103 in overtime.

In Mashburn's junior season, the "Monster Mash" led Kentucky to a record of 30-4 and a trip to the NCAA Final Four. The trip back to the Final Four marked the official return of Kentucky basketball to national prominence. Mashburn would become a consensus first team All-American, SEC Player of the Year, First team All-SEC, and a member of the NCAA All-FInal Four and All-Regional teams. At the time, Mashburn ranked 4th in all-time Kentucky scoring. (he is currently sixth). After Mashburn's junior season, he declared his intentions to enter the NBA Draft.

Mashburn would be drafted with the fourth overall pick by the Dallas Mavericks in the 1993 NBA Draft. Mashburn had an outstanding rookie season with the Mavericks, averaging nearly 20 points per game and being voted to the NBA's All-Rookie team. Mashburn had a solid NBA career with the Mavericks, Heat, Hornets and 76ers. Injuries mounted and led to Mashburn's retirement from the NBA in 2006. Mashburn can now be seen doing NBA commentary for ESPN.