A Kentucky jersey is iconic, and few numbers have carried as much legacy as No. 12. Over the years, 26 Wildcats have worn it—from early pioneers to modern-day stars. Continuing our summer series on Kentucky basketball jersey numbers, we’re spotlighting the top 10 players who wore No. 12, based solely on their college careers at Kentucky. Let’s count them down.
10. Larry Johnson (1973–77)
A dependable contributor during the Wildcats’ 1970s resurgence, Johnson played 112 games and totaled 850 points (7.6 PPG), 390 rebounds (3.5 RPG), and 319 assists (2.8 APG). He was instrumental in UK’s run to the 1975 Final Four and the 1976 NIT championship. As a senior, he earned All-SEC Third Team honors.
9. Ted Deeken (1961–64)
Deeken was a solid forward during a transitional period for the program. He tallied 757 points (11.8 PPG) and 438 rebounds (6.8 RPG) over 64 games. His senior season was especially impressive, scoring 493 points and helping keep Kentucky competitive in the early ’60s.
8. Brandon Knight (2010–11)
In his lone season at Kentucky, Knight was a standout scorer, averaging 17 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. He led the Wildcats to a Final Four appearance, narrowly missing the title game in a 56–55 loss to UConn. Knight earned NCAA Regional Most Outstanding Player honors and was named to the All-SEC First Team (Coaches), Second Team (AP), SEC Tournament Team, and All-Freshman Team.
7. Keion Brooks Jr. (2019–22)
Brooks was a three-year contributor, scoring 660 points (8.3 PPG) and grabbing 352 rebounds (4.4 RPG) in 80 games. His junior season was his strongest, providing 357 points and steady leadership. Known for his versatility, Brooks was a consistent presence on both ends of the floor.
6. Marion Cluggish (1937–40)
Playing in a low-scoring era, Cluggish posted 301 points (4.8 PPG) over 63 games. His 152-point senior season helped Kentucky remain competitive in the region during the pre-war years under legendary coach Adolph Rupp.
5. Ellis Johnson (1930–33)
An early Kentucky standout, Johnson scored 161 points in 49 games—a solid total for his era. He earned Helms Foundation All-American honors in 1932–33 and was a multi-time All-Conference selection, helping lay the foundation for the program’s rise in the South.
4. Deron Feldhaus (1988–92)
A beloved member of “The Unforgettables,” Feldhaus played 124 games and scored 1,232 points (9.9 PPG), along with 540 rebounds (4.4 RPG). Known for his efficiency, he shot 49.3% from the field and 37.5% from beyond the arc. Feldhaus played a key role in UK’s recovery from NCAA sanctions, and his jersey now hangs in the rafters.
Top 3 Wildcats to Wear No. 12
3. Antonio Reeves (2022–24)
A transfer from Illinois State, Reeves quickly became a scoring machine in the SEC. Over two seasons, he racked up 1,155 points (17.2 PPG), shooting 46.7% overall and 42.2% from three-point range. In 2023–24, he led the team with 667 points and earned All-American and First Team All-SEC honors, hitting big shots in critical moments.
2. Karl-Anthony Towns (2014–15)
Towns anchored a historic 38–1 Kentucky team in his only season. He averaged 10.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and shot 56.6% from the floor. His defensive prowess helped fuel UK’s nearly perfect season. Towns earned Second Team All-America honors and was named SEC Freshman of the Year.
1. Ralph Beard (1945–49)
The greatest Wildcat to wear No. 12, Beard was a legend during Kentucky’s golden era. He appeared in 139 games, scoring 1,517 points (10.9 PPG), and led the Wildcats to back-to-back NCAA championships in 1948 and 1949. A three-time Consensus First Team All-American and four-time All-SEC pick, Beard was the leader of the famous “Fabulous Five” and a true icon of the program.
Honorable Mention
Tom Parker – The 1972 SEC Player of the Year scored 1,238 points in three seasons and was one of the league’s top scorers during his time.
The Legacy of No. 12
The No. 12 jersey at Kentucky has a deep and diverse legacy, worn by stars, champions, and fan favorites like Ellis Johnson, Marion Cluggish, Ralph Beard, Brandon Knight, Karl-Anthony Towns, Antonio Reeves, and more.
Whether it was Beard bringing national titles to Lexington, Towns driving a nearly perfect season, or Reeves lighting up the scoreboard in the modern era, No. 12 has stood as a symbol of excellence across generations.
Who’s your favorite Wildcat to wear No. 12? Let us know as we continue our summer series spotlighting the best to wear each Kentucky jersey number.
