In the long and storied history of Kentucky basketball, the jersey number 16 has rarely made an appearance. Just seven Wildcats have ever worn it—mostly during the early decades of the program. Yet among this small fraternity, one name rises far above the rest: Lou Tsioropoulos.
The Rare #16 Club
Here’s a look at every player who’s ever donned the number 16 jersey for the Wildcats:
George Skinner (1930–1933)
Appeared in 4 games, scoring just 1 point.
Bob Taylor (1933–1936)
Played in 21 games, totaling 29 points.
Carl Staker (1938–1942)
Made 59 appearances, scoring 225 points.
Ed Lander (1941–1943)
Played in 21 games, contributing 57 points.
Walter Whittaker (1949–1950)
Logged 5 games, scoring 6 points.
Lou Tsioropoulos (1950–1954)
A standout with 84 games and 709 total points.
Named to the 1953–54 All-SEC Second Team (AP) and a key member of Kentucky’s perfect 25–0 season in 1953–54.
Why Lou Tsioropoulos Stands Alone
Among the players to wear #16, Tsioropoulos is unquestionably the most accomplished. A vital contributor on some of legendary coach Adolph Rupp’s strongest teams, Tsioropoulos peaked during the 1953–54 season. That year, he averaged over 14 points per game on a Kentucky team that went undefeated (25–0) but was controversially held out of the NCAA Tournament due to eligibility issues.
While his career shooting numbers—32.5% from the field and 60.9% from the free-throw line—reflect the era’s rugged playing style, his impact extended far beyond statistics. He brought leadership, rebounding, defense, and poise to one of the most talented rosters in UK history.
Career Snapshot:
Games Played: 84
Total Points: 709
Field Goal %: 32.5%
Free Throw %: 60.9%
Honors: 1953–54 All-SEC Second Team (AP)
Legacy of the Number
While only a handful of Wildcats have worn #16, each contributed to the rich legacy of Kentucky basketball in their own way. But Lou Tsioropoulos stands out as the clear standard-bearer for this number—an all-time great in a jersey rarely seen.
