This Jersey Number Produced a National Champion, a Kentucky Legend, and a Forgotten Sniper — No. 20’s Hidden Legacy Revealed
In the storied halls of Rupp Arena, some jersey numbers shine with the glow of banners and buzzer-beaters. But few numbers have quietly packed as much punch as No. 20 — a number that, though often overlooked, has been worn by icons, champions, and unsung sharpshooters who left their mark on Kentucky basketball lore.
🏆 The Champion: Tony Delk (1993–1996)
When you talk about No. 20 at Kentucky, Tony Delk stands alone at the top. A cornerstone of Rick Pitino’s 1996 “Untouchables”, Delk led the Wildcats to the national title with his scorching shooting and steely leadership. He dropped seven threes in the national championship game against Syracuse and was named Final Four Most Outstanding Player. Finishing his UK career with over 1,800 points and 283 made three-pointers, Delk didn’t just wear No. 20—he immortalized it.
🔥 The Forgotten Sniper: Derrick Jasper (2006–2008)
Though injuries derailed what once looked like a promising career, Derrick Jasper brought flashes of brilliance while donning No. 20. A versatile 6’6” guard with a smooth jumper and high basketball IQ, Jasper started as a freshman and offered a glimpse of a future star. After transferring to UNLV, he faded from Big Blue memory—but for those who remember, his impact in a turbulent era should not be overlooked.
🐱 The Legacy Builder: Kevin Grevey (1972–1975) — Wait, Wasn’t He No. 35?
It’s true — Kevin Grevey, one of UK’s all-time greats, didn’t wear No. 20 at Kentucky. But he donned it in the NBA, where he became an NBA champion with the Washington Bullets in 1978. Though not part of No. 20’s UK lineage, his pro legacy in the number adds to its mystical aura.
🔍 More Than Just Digits
No. 20 may never be the most famous jersey in Kentucky’s history — it doesn’t hang in the rafters like No. 4 (Pat Riley) or No. 32 (Kevin Grevey) — but it has seen triumph, turmoil, and talent. It’s a number that bridges eras, expectations, and evolution—a quiet thread in the grand fabric of Kentucky basketball.
So the next time you see No. 20 flash across the court in Kentucky blue, remember: you’re looking at a number with a championship heartbeat and a sniper’s soul.
