When basketball fans hear “No. 23,” one name comes to mind—Michael Jordan. But in Lexington, that number tells a completely different story. From buzzer-beaters to banner seasons, the jersey has been worn by some of the most explosive and unforgettable players in Kentucky basketball history.
For this list, we’re sticking strictly to what players did while wearing the blue and white—no NBA accolades, no what-ifs from other schools. Let’s count down the top five Wildcats to ever rock No. 23.
5. Derek Anderson (1995–1997)
A transfer from Ohio State, Anderson joined Rick Pitino’s powerhouse at just the right time. In two seasons, he played 55 games, averaging 12.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and nearly 2 steals per contest.
1996 National Champion
1997 All-SEC (2nd Coaches, 3rd AP)
All-NCAA Regional Team
His 1997 season had the makings of an all-time great run until an ACL injury ended his year in January. Even still, Anderson’s impact during that dominant stretch earned him a rightful place in this top five.
4. Jamal Murray (2015–2016)
Murray played just one season in Lexington, but what a season it was. The Canadian sensation dropped 20.0 points per game, knocked down 113 threes, and shot nearly 41% from deep.
3rd Team AP All-American
All-SEC First Team
SEC All-Freshman Team
Murray’s elite scoring instincts and fearless shot-making made him the engine of Kentucky’s offense. In another era, he might’ve stuck around—but even in one year, he left an unforgettable legacy.
3. Jodie Meeks (2006–2009)
When Meeks was healthy, he was a scoring machine. After two up-and-down years, he exploded during the 2008–09 season, averaging 23.7 points per game and setting a school record with 54 points in a road win at Tennessee.
Second-Team All-American (Consensus)
All-SEC First Team
Single-season 3-point record (117 makes)
That season remains one of the most electrifying individual campaigns in program history, carried on Meeks’ back and his silky-smooth jumper.
2. Cliff Barker (1946–1949)
Before One-and-Dones and ESPN highlights, there was Cliff Barker—the man who helped launch Kentucky into the national spotlight. He wasn’t flashy, but he was the rock behind two national title runs.
1948 & 1949 NCAA Champion
Multiple All-SEC selections
Jersey Retired
His stats won’t blow you away, but Barker was the floor general and heart of those early dynasties under Adolph Rupp. He played over 100 games and left Lexington with a legacy built on winning.
1. Anthony Davis (2011–2012)
This wasn’t just the best season by a No. 23 at Kentucky—it was one of the greatest individual seasons in college basketball history. Davis was a cheat code on defense and dominant in every facet of the game.
National Player of the Year (unanimous)
Final Four Most Outstanding Player
SEC Player, Freshman, and Defensive Player of the Year
Consensus First-Team All-American
National Champion
Averaging 14.2 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 4.7 blocks, Davis led Kentucky to a 38–2 record and a national title. He redefined what it meant to anchor a team defensively. One year was all it took for him to become a Kentucky legend—and the undisputed king of No. 23.
Final Takeaway
With names like Dwight Anderson, Roger Harden, and Isaiah Jackson also wearing No. 23, the depth of talent is undeniable. But when it comes down to production, legacy, and dominance in a Kentucky jersey, Anthony Davis sits alone at the top.
