Cliff Hagan and the Forgotten Legacy of Kentucky’s No. 6 Jersey: A Deep Dive Into Wildcat History
In the world of college basketball, jersey numbers often become synonymous with greatness. Some jerseys are immortalized by the legends who wore them, while others fade into obscurity, rarely seen on the court again. At the University of Kentucky, the No. 6 jersey is firmly in the former category—largely because of one man: Cliff Hagan.
But before we dive into Hagan’s legacy, let’s set the stage.
For nearly 70 years, no player at Kentucky has worn No. 6. In fact, only seven players in the entire history of the Wildcats program have ever donned it. The number vanished from the roster after the 1950s, becoming almost mythical, with its history collecting dust in the shadows of Rupp Arena. Now, with the NCAA’s recent rule change allowing players to wear numbers ranging from 0 to 99, No. 6 could finally return. But before someone new puts it on, it’s only right that we honor its legacy—and those few who wore it.
Ranking All 7 Wildcats Who Wore No. 6
7. Dickie Derrickson (1944–45)
Derrickson’s stint at Kentucky was brief—just two games, no points, and no measurable impact. He finds himself at the bottom of this list by default, though his name remains etched in the historical record.
6. William Davis (1935–36)
Like Derrickson, Davis appeared in just two games, scoring a mere two points. There’s not much more to say about his time in Lexington, but every jersey tells a story—even those with short chapters.
5. Clyde Parker (1942–43)
Parker’s 68 points over 20 games during the wartime season provided a modest boost to the squad before he transferred to Louisville. His time in blue and white may not have been headline-worthy, but it came during a tumultuous era when simply fielding a team was a triumph.
4. Lloyd Ramsey (1940–42)
A steady guard who played 39 games and scored 93 points, Ramsey was reliable but not flashy. Though he earned no major accolades, his contribution during a formative time in Kentucky basketball cannot be discounted.
3. Warfield Donohue (1934–37)
Now we start getting into impact territory. Donohue racked up 213 points in 64 games and became one of the Wildcats’ first stars at the guard position. His First Team All-SEC honors in 1937 and selection to the SEC Tournament team distinguish him from those below.
2. Paul McBrayer (1927–30)
Before he became a legendary coach, McBrayer was a standout Wildcat. He played 53 games, scored 229 points, and was named a Helms Foundation First Team All-American in 1930. A two-time All-American in total, McBrayer’s place near the top is well-earned, serving as a bridge between Kentucky’s humble beginnings and its rise to national prominence.
1. Cliff Hagan (1950–54)
There’s no debate here. Cliff Hagan is, by far, the greatest player to ever wear No. 6 at Kentucky.
With 1,475 career points and over 1,000 rebounds, Hagan was a two-time Consensus First Team All-American and a generational talent. His physical dominance and on-court finesse helped lead Kentucky to a perfect 25–0 season in 1953–54. Although the team didn’t participate in the NCAA Tournament that year due to eligibility disputes, the national title was widely recognized.
Hagan’s contributions were so significant that his No. 6 jersey was retired, making him one of the select few to receive such an honor at the University of Kentucky. His name is synonymous with dominance, and his place in Wildcat history is untouchable.
Will No. 6 Make a Return?
With the NCAA’s uniform number restrictions relaxed in 2023, fans and historians alike are watching to see whether a new generation Wildcat will resurrect the No. 6 legacy. It’s not just about reviving a number—it’s about stepping into the shadows of history and carrying the weight of legends like Hagan.
For now, No. 6 remains a relic of the past—a symbol of excellence worn by few and mastered by one. But tomorrow’s stars may soon write their own chapter. Until then, we honor the history, we tell the stories, and we remember the names.
Up next in our jersey series: Who was the best Wildcat to ever wear No. 7? Stay tuned.
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