Karl-Anthony Towns is back in Lexington — and he’s making the most of every second on his return to his Old Kentucky Home.
The five-time NBA All-Star was officially inducted into the UK Athletics Hall of Fame this weekend, headlining a star-studded class that includes Abbey Cheek-Ramsey (softball), Makayla Epps (women’s basketball), Doug Flynn (baseball, basketball, broadcaster), Sonia Hahn (women’s tennis), and Josh Hines-Allen (football).
For Towns, who helped lead Kentucky to a 38-1 season and a Final Four in 2015, the moment was nothing short of emotional.
> “I’m in shock,” Towns told Mitch Barnhart. “I’m literally sweating. … Hopefully one day, my kids can see that their dad was something special in college at Kentucky.”
And in true KAT fashion, he didn’t just show up for the ceremony — he showed up for the people.
A Visit With Kentucky Volleyball
Before the big night, Towns dropped by Historic Memorial Coliseum to hang out with Kentucky’s women’s volleyball team, currently ranked No. 3 in the country. The Wildcats had some fun with his 7-foot frame, joking on social media:
> “Our newest middle blocker?!?! Thanks for stopping by, KAT.”
If Kentucky wanted the tallest middle blocker in the game, Towns certainly looked the part.
Legends Collide: KAT & Tim Couch
Towns also linked up with Tim Couch, Kentucky’s legendary quarterback and fellow former No. 1 overall draft pick, who joined him in this year’s Hall of Fame class. Two of the greatest Wildcats of all time, representing basketball and football, standing side by side in Lexington — it doesn’t get much more “La Familia” than that.
Back in the Joe Craft Center
Of course, KAT couldn’t be back in Lexington without stepping foot inside the Joe Craft Center, the same gym where he developed into a top NBA prospect. With Mark Pope now at the helm instead of John Calipari, Towns took in practice, spoke with the team, and reminded everyone that Kentucky basketball’s greatness runs from generation to generation.
Before leaving, he signed his name on the iconic La Familia wall, joining the long list of Wildcat greats who came before and after him.
Right Where He Belongs
Later that night, Karl-Anthony Towns officially became part of Kentucky’s Hall of Fame — a fitting honor for a player who dominated in Lexington, made his mark in the NBA, and never forgot where home really is.
From volleyball to football to basketball, Towns touched every corner of UK Athletics on his return — and Big Blue Nation embraced him just like they did a decade ago.
