In the heart of Big Blue Nation, few names stir up as much pride and nostalgia as Larry Pursiful — the sharp-shooting guard from Four Mile, Kentucky, who wore the blue and white with relentless fire. As we celebrate his birthday, it’s only right we honor the career of a player who once lit up the court for the Kentucky Wildcats and embodied what it meant to be a true Kentucky boy.
Larry Pursiful (#24, seen holding the basketball in classic black-and-white photos) made an immediate impact upon arriving at the University of Kentucky. In his freshman year, he led the Kittens (UK’s freshman squad at the time), averaging an electric 19.1 points per game — a clear sign that he was ready for the big stage.
Once he joined Coach Adolph Rupp’s varsity squad, Larry continued his scoring prowess, again averaging 19.1 points per game during his senior year. That scoring average placed him just behind Wildcat legend Cotton Nash, and helped cement Larry’s status as one of the era’s most dependable offensive threats.
Pursiful wasn’t just a scorer. Over his varsity career, he racked up 946 points, pulled down 221 rebounds, and handed out 70 assists — all while standing just 6’1″. His efforts earned him First Team All-SEC honors and a spot on the All-NCAA Regional Team. His blend of talent, grit, and determination captured the spirit of Kentucky basketball.
In 1962, his hard work paid off when he was drafted in the 8th round by the Chicago Bulls in the NBA Draft, a dream come true for a kid from the mountains.
Reflecting on his recruitment, Pursiful once said:
> “It was kind of unusual that they (Kentucky) were the only people who recruited me. That was fine with me because UK was the only place that I wanted to go. Like most Kentucky mountain boys, I grew up listening to all the great teams at Kentucky, the Fabulous Five, Ramsey and Hagan.”
Those words speak volumes about his loyalty and passion for the program. Larry Pursiful didn’t just play for Kentucky — he lived Kentucky basketball.
So today, we tip our caps and throw up the three for a true Wildcat warrior.
