Thursday Quickies: The Next Jersey to Retire Edition

There are some deserving players who deserve to have their jersey in the rafters

By Zac Oakes@ZacOakes Jul 30, 2020, 6:40am EDT

There are many names of former Kentucky greats in the rafters at Rupp Arena, but in recent years, only a couple players have received such an honor.

Since the 1992 senior class was honored with their jerseys being retired, only Jamal Mashburn and Tony Delk have been recognized this way. Those are certainly deserving players, but since that time period, there are several other players that have strong arguments for being recognized.

Two of the most deserving, in my opinion, are Keith Bogans and Tayshaun Prince. Bogans and Prince were two of the first players that I have a great memory of, and many fans in their 20s probably would say the same thing.

Looking at their resumes, Bogans and Prince are two of the best to wear the Kentucky uniform within the last 20 years. They didn’t reach that elusive Final Four or win a title, which is probably the only reason we are having this conversation right now.

Then the debate gets interesting.

There isn’t a consensus that one-and-done players should have their jerseys retired, but I don’t believe that should be set in stone. For example, Anthony Davis. Davis put together one of the most incredible seasons in program history and led his team to a national title as a freshman. That has to count for something.

Over at Kentucky Sports Radio, one of the writers contends that John Wall is a no-brainer, and I don’t disagree, but I think Wall is a bit of a harder sell for some people. Part of Wall’s case is based on the cultural impact, which shouldn’t be ignored. I would put Wall up there, but I recognize others might be hesitant.

KSR has some other possibilities for jersey retirement, but let’s use this as a topic to discuss. Which recent Kentucky players would you put in the rafters? Let’s hear it.

Tweet of the Day

Which Wildcat knows their teammates + #BBN history best? Check out Episode 2 of #LaFamilia Feud presented by Papa Johns. Celebrity actor Steve Zahn hosts socially distant trivia with @lanceware12, @Jtoppin0 and @young_payne2321 https://t.co/GcaBMPDrqD
— Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) July 30, 2020