As we keep rolling on with our summer series, we look at No. 21 — a jersey number with a legacy full of clutch plays, elite talent, and unforgettable moments. And while Jack “Goose” Givens holds the crown in the minds of many, there’s one smooth-shooting wing who might give him a run for his legacy: Tayshaun Prince.
Let’s break it down.
Kentucky Players Who Wore No. 21:
From early stars to recent recruits, here’s everyone who’s rocked the iconic 21 in Lexington:
Jake Bronston (1928–31)
Harry Hurd (1959–62)
Jim McDonald (1959–62)
Terry Mills (1968–71)
Steve Penhorwood (1970–71)
Elmore Stephens (1971–72)
Jack “Goose” Givens (1974–78)
Terry Shigg (1986–87)
Chris Jones (1988–89)
Henry Thomas (1990–91)
Cameron Mills (1994–98)
Tayshaun Prince (1998–2002)
Shagari Alleyne (2003–06)
Perry Stevenson (2006–10)
Tod Lanter (2012–15)
Cam’Ron Fletcher (2020–21)
Shaedon Sharpe (2021–22) (never played)
D.J. Wagner (2023–24)
Walker Horn (2022–25)
No. 3 – Terry Mills (1968–71)
While not a household name, Terry Mills brought toughness and quiet consistency to Adolph Rupp’s final squads. He totaled 424 points across 63 games — not flashy, but reliable.
No. 2 – Tayshaun Prince (1998–2002)
Prince may have the smoothest game of any Wildcat to ever wear No. 21. A four-year starter, he dropped 1,775 career points, earned 2001 SEC Player of the Year honors, and had a legendary five-straight-three-pointers start against UNC that still echoes in Rupp Arena.
Elite scorer. Elite defender. NBA champ. Tayshaun’s resume is jaw-dropping — and some argue, even more complete than Goose’s.
No. 1 – Jack “Goose” Givens (1974–78)
And then there’s Goose.
He’s not just a Kentucky legend — he’s the legend. Givens scored over 2,000 points in his career and is best known for torching Duke with 41 points in the 1978 national championship game. That performance alone earned him a permanent spot in the rafters and in BBN hearts.
But it wasn’t just one night — Givens earned All-American honors, helped secure Kentucky’s fifth NCAA title, and brought swagger to the program when it needed it most.
The Shaedon Sharpe Clause
Yes, Sharpe technically wore No. 21… but he never stepped on the court for Kentucky. So he’s listed for completion — but not in contention.
BBN, It’s Your Turn
Is Goose’s 41-point title game enough to secure his legacy as Kentucky’s greatest No. 21? Or has Prince — with his all-around brilliance and modern edge — made this debate much closer than we admit?
Let us know your pick. One thing’s for sure — No. 21 is legendary, and the conversation is far from over.
