Kentucky’s Greatest No. 18: The Wildcat Who Wore It Best
As the summer heats up, so does our highly anticipated countdown series, where we dive into Kentucky basketball history to determine who wore each jersey number best. Today, we spotlight a number that doesn’t carry as much fanfare as some others but has its own unique legacy: No. 18.
Only seven Wildcats have ever donned the No. 18 jersey in the program’s illustrious history. While it may not be the most frequently worn number in Lexington, the stories behind those who wore it are filled with grit, loyalty, and flashes of brilliance. But when it comes to naming the greatest to ever wear the No. 18 for Kentucky, one name rises clearly above the rest.
Dale Barnstable: Kentucky’s Greatest No. 18
When fans debate the best player to ever wear No. 18 for Kentucky, the conversation starts and ends with Dale Barnstable. Playing under the legendary Adolph Rupp from 1946 to 1950, Barnstable was a steady contributor during one of the most dominant stretches in Wildcats history.
Barnstable suited up for 129 career games, scoring a total of 635 points while maintaining a reliable presence for four straight seasons. In the loaded Kentucky rosters of that golden era, Barnstable’s role was often overshadowed by national stars, but his consistency, toughness, and dependability made him an invaluable part of Rupp’s machine.
His standout season came in 1948-49, when he earned Third-Team All-SEC honors from the Associated Press, helping Kentucky remain one of the nation’s elite programs. Though not the team’s leading scorer, Barnstable was the kind of role player every championship team needs — reliable, disciplined, and always prepared for the moment.
Dale Barnstable’s Kentucky Career At A Glance:
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129 games played
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635 total points
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1948-49 All-SEC Third Team (AP)
For his contributions during a championship-rich era and his personal accolades, Dale Barnstable stands firmly as the greatest Wildcat ever to wear No. 18.
The Other Wildcats Who Wore No. 18
While Barnstable’s legacy at No. 18 remains unmatched, several other players deserve recognition for their time representing Kentucky with this rare jersey number.
Ermal Allen (1939-42)
Allen played three productive seasons for the Wildcats, appearing in 65 games and scoring 272 total points. His best campaign came in the 1941-42 season when he was named First-Team All-SEC and earned All-SEC Tournament honors. After his playing days, Allen gained more fame on the football field, serving as an assistant football coach under Bear Bryant and eventually becoming a highly respected figure in football coaching circles.
Paul Noel (1942-43)
Paul Noel’s basketball career was unfortunately cut short due to World War II, but in his lone season, he made a solid impact by scoring 84 points in 20 games. His professional career later included time in the NBA, but his college legacy remains part of Kentucky’s rich basketball fabric.
Jim Howe (1944-45)
Jim Howe’s college career was brief, logging five games and scoring 18 points during a wartime season when roster instability was common across college basketball.
Dwight Price (1950-51)
Price served primarily in a reserve role, playing 20 games while scoring 34 points and securing 43 rebounds during his Kentucky tenure.
Bill Trott (1928-31)
As one of the earliest Wildcats to wear No. 18, Trott played 16 games over three seasons, recording a total of seven points. Though not a major contributor statistically, Trott helped lay the foundation for Kentucky basketball’s rise to prominence.
Houston Nutt (1951-52)
Yes, that Houston Nutt. Before becoming a well-known college football coach at Arkansas and Ole Miss, Nutt briefly played basketball at Kentucky. He appeared in one game before transferring to Oklahoma State, where his athletic career ultimately shifted to the gridiron.
The Legacy of No. 18: Rare but Special
In Kentucky basketball’s long and decorated history, jersey No. 18 has remained somewhat of a rarity. With only seven players ever donning it, the number holds a quiet uniqueness within the program’s lore. As NCAA rules around jersey numbers continue to evolve, fans may see No. 18 return to the spotlight with future stars eager to add their names to its short list.
For now, Dale Barnstable’s legacy as Kentucky’s greatest No. 18 remains firmly intact. His consistency, contributions during one of the program’s golden eras, and individual honors ensure his place in Wildcat history.
Up Next in the Countdown: No. 19
As our summer series rolls on, we turn our attention to the players who wore No. 19 — another seldom-used number with its own collection of stories. Stay tuned as we continue to break down the history, honor the legends, and celebrate the greatness that is Kentucky basketball.
Stay with TrendySoccerNews.com all summer long for full coverage of Kentucky basketball history, exclusive features, and deep dives into the legends who built one of the most storied programs in college sports.
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