In our ongoing series highlighting the greatest Kentucky Wildcats to don each jersey number, we now focus on number 5, one of the most talent-laden digits in the program’s history. Twenty-one players have worn this number for the Wildcats, each contributing a unique chapter to the team’s storied legacy.
In our series celebrating the greatest Kentucky Wildcats to wear each jersey number, number 5 stands out as one of the most talent-packed digits in program history. Below, we rank the top 10 players who wore number 5, based exclusively on their stats, awards, and impact during their Kentucky careers. NBA achievements or play at other colleges are not considered—this is all about their time in Lexington.
Complete List of No. 5s at Kentucky:
- Charles Worthington (1930–32)
- Edward Tierney (1933–35)
- John McIntosh (1934–37)
- James King (1939–42)
- Bill Cravens (1943–44)
- Alonzo Nelson (1944–45)
- John Stough (1944–49)
- Mike Ballenger (1981–82)
- Travis Ford (1991–94)
- Wayne Turner (1995–99)
- Nate Knight (1999–00)
- Josh Carrier (2001–05)
- Derrick Jasper (2006–08)
- Ramon Harris (2006–10)
- Jarrod Polson (2010–14)
- Andrew Harrison (2013–15)
- Malik Monk (2016–17)
- Kevin Knox (2017–18)
- Immanuel Quickley (2018–20)
- Terrence Clarke (2020–21)
- Collin Chandler (2024–present)
Top 5 Kentucky Wildcats to Wear Number 5
5. Andrew Harrison (2013–15)
Stats: 79 games, 10.1 PPG, 4.9 APG, 2.8 RPG
Awards: NCAA Tournament All-Regional Team (2014)
Impact: As the starting point guard for two Final Four squads, Harrison was the steady hand guiding Kentucky’s offense, notably during the near-perfect 38–1 season in 2014–15. His playmaking and clutch moments defined his tenure.
4. Travis Ford (1991–94)
Stats: 103 games, 9.9 PPG, 5.2 APG, 43.8% FG
Awards: All-SEC Third Team (1993)
Impact: Ford was the engine of Rick Pitino’s resurgent Kentucky teams, blending sharp court vision with reliable shooting. His leadership helped elevate the program back to national contention.
3. Immanuel Quickley (2018–20)
Stats: 67 games, 14.4 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 1.9 APG, 40.4% 3P
Awards: SEC Player of the Year, All-SEC First Team, First Team All-American (2020)
Impact: Quickley’s sophomore surge made him the heartbeat of the 2019–20 squad. His sharpshooting and versatility cemented him as one of John Calipari’s finest success stories.
2. Malik Monk (2016–17)
Stats: 38 games, 19.8 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 2.3 APG, 39.7% 3P
Awards: SEC Player of the Year, Jerry West Award, All-American
Impact: Monk was a scoring dynamo, lighting up defenses with his explosive offense. His 47-point masterpiece against UNC remains one of the most iconic performances in Kentucky history.
1. Wayne Turner (1995–99)
Stats: 151 games, 8.4 PPG, 3.8 APG, 2.7 RPG, 1.6 SPG
Awards: 2× NCAA Champion, NCAA All-Regional Team (1998)
Impact: Turner’s legacy is unmatched. Holding the record for the most games played by a Wildcat, he was a defensive anchor and clutch performer, pivotal in securing two national titles.
Honorable Mention
Kevin Knox (2017–18)
Stats: 37 games, 15.6 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1.4 APG
Awards: SEC Freshman of the Year, All-SEC First Team (2018)
Impact: Knox was a scoring force in his lone season, leading the team with his versatile offensive game and earning top freshman honors in the SEC.
The Debate: Monk vs. Turner
Choosing between Malik Monk’s dazzling one-year run and Wayne Turner’s storied four-year career was tough. Monk’s 19.8 PPG and jaw-dropping highlights, including his 47-point outburst against UNC, mark one of Kentucky’s greatest individual seasons. Yet Turner’s two national championships, record-setting games played, and defensive prowess give him the edge. Monk was a meteor; Turner was a monument.
Up Next: Join us tomorrow as we explore the best Kentucky Wildcat to wear number 6!
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