The Wildcats Who Wore No. 7: Unveiling the Best in Kentucky Basketball History
Kentucky basketball is a program rooted in tradition, rich with legendary names and unforgettable moments. From Adolph Rupp to John Calipari, the Wildcats have built a legacy that stretches across decades. But beyond championships and All-Americans, each jersey number carries its own history — filled with stories of triumph, growth, and resilience.
As part of our summer series diving deep into the history of Kentucky basketball, we now shift our spotlight to jersey No. 7. Though not as iconic as some other numbers, No. 7 has still been worn by pioneers, quiet contributors, and emerging talents. And today, we count down the greatest Wildcats to ever don it — based solely on what they achieved while wearing blue and white in Lexington.
Let’s break it down.
10. Johnny Crockett (1945–1946, Guard)
Crockett’s career at Kentucky was barely a whisper. He suited up for only one game during the 1945–46 season and failed to register a single stat. Still, his inclusion on this list is a nod to everyone who wore the number — no matter how brief the appearance.
9. James Flynn (1951–1952, Forward)
Flynn made three appearances and scored two points on a single field goal. It was a modest contribution, but in a competitive field with few modern names, that small effort pushes him just ahead of Crockett.
8. Truett DeMoisey (1943–1944, Forward)
DeMoisey played during World War II — an era that brought unique challenges. In his lone season, he logged 60 points over 18 games, showing he could consistently contribute even if not at star level.
7. Albert Cummins (1946–1948, Guard)
A two-season player, Cummins appeared in 38 games and contributed 59 points. His shooting numbers weren’t flashy, and his 1.55 points per game don’t jump off the page. But he was a steady role player during a period of rebuilding after the war.
6. James Goodman (1937–1939, Forward)
Goodman, a pre-war Wildcat, offered slightly more offensive production than Cummins, totaling 84 points over 38 games. His scoring average of 2.2 and solid free-throw shooting make him a worthy mid-tier selection on this list.
5. Guy Strong (1949–1951, Guard)
Strong only played 27 games but shot a respectable 38.46% from the floor — impressive for the era. Beyond stats, Strong’s legacy includes his coaching career, showing he continued to impact the game long after hanging up his jersey.
4. William Sturgill (1944–1946, Guard)
With 111 points in 47 games, Sturgill’s best season came in 1944–45, where he scored 73 points in 25 appearances. Though never a headline star, his consistency and reliability earned him a deserved place in the top five.
3. Andrew Carr (2024–2025, Forward)
Finally, a modern-day name enters the upper ranks.
Carr joined the 2024–25 squad with poise, versatility, and purpose. In 35 games, he poured in 361 points while shooting a stellar 54.4% from the field and 74.8% from the line. His impact wasn’t limited to scoring — he grabbed 162 rebounds, dished out 60 assists, recorded 25 steals, and blocked 23 shots.
Although he has not yet added postseason accolades to his résumé, Carr’s all-around contributions and promise make him a standout. If he returns for another season, his No. 7 legacy could grow even further.
2. Milt Ticco (1940–1943, Forward/Center)
Ticco was a dominant inside presence during the early 1940s, scoring 463 points in 62 games and averaging 7.5 per contest. His 1942–43 campaign stood out: he racked up 233 points, earned a third-team All-American nod from Pic Magazine, and claimed Second-Team All-SEC honors.
Ticco combined scoring touch with defensive toughness, setting a high bar for anyone wearing No. 7.
1. Ralph Carlisle (1934–1937, Guard)
There’s only one player who can sit atop this list — and it’s the early star of the Adolph Rupp era, Ralph Carlisle.
In 57 games, Carlisle amassed 504 points — an impressive 8.84 points per game in a slower-paced, pre-shot-clock era. Back-to-back First Team All-SEC and SEC Tournament Team honors in 1936 and 1937 cemented his legacy. Carlisle wasn’t just a great scorer for his time; he was a certified floor general who led with both numbers and intangibles.
His dominance and accolades make him the undisputed king of Kentucky’s No. 7s.
The Legacy of No. 7
The No. 7 jersey at Kentucky may not be plastered on rafters or synonymous with NBA superstardom, but it tells a different kind of story. It speaks to grit, growth, and evolution — from Depression-era hardwoods to modern-day arenas with 20,000 roaring fans.
Andrew Carr’s emergence adds a fresh layer to that story, hinting that perhaps the best chapters are still being written.
As jersey numbers grow less traditional and the college game evolves, it’s possible that No. 7 will become a rare sight on the hardwood. But for those who wore it, they carried the pride, pressure, and passion of Kentucky basketball — and left a mark that’s impossible to ignore.
Next up: Who wore No. 8 best in Wildcat history? Stay with us as we continue this deep dive through Kentucky’s iconic jersey numbers — only on Trendy Soccer News.
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