Experts say 5 of the 25 greatest freshmen since 2000 belong to Kentucky basketball
ESPN is usually very pro Duke, but in looking at the top 25 freshmen since 2000, the Cats are very well represented.
Kentucky basketball has long been synonymous with freshman greatness, especially under former head coach John Calipari, who made Lexington the go-to destination for one-and-done stars. Now, ESPN’s Myron Medcalf has solidified that legacy even further by naming five former Wildcats among the top 25 freshmen in men’s college basketball since 2000.
Some may remember the wins. Others, the heartbreaks. But few can forget just how electric these young stars were in their first—and often only—season at UK. Let’s dive into the five Wildcats who made the cut.
No. 25 – Malik Monk (2016-17)
Stats: 19.8 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 2.3 APG, 45% FG, 39.7% 3PT
Team finish: Elite Eight
Malik Monk lit up scoreboards in 2016-17, including a legendary 47-point outing against North Carolina. Though the Wildcats fell to the Tar Heels in the Elite Eight, Monk was named SEC Player of the Year and hit clutch shot after clutch shot throughout the season.
No. 22 – DeMarcus Cousins (2009-10)
Stats: 15.1 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 1.8 BPG, 55.8% FG
Team finish: Elite Eight
“Boogie” was Cal’s first dominant post presence, anchoring a 35-win team alongside John Wall. His physicality and elite rebounding made him nearly unguardable. Cousins earned AP First Team All-American honors and remains one of the most productive bigs in UK history.
No. 19 – Karl-Anthony Towns (2014-15)
Stats: 10.2 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.3 BPG (in 21 minutes per game)
Team finish: Final Four
Towns didn’t put up gaudy numbers thanks to the platoon system, but his efficiency and team-first mindset helped Kentucky reach a near-mythical 38-0 start. Though the Wildcats fell short in the Final Four, Towns’ defensive prowess and leadership made him the top overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft—and one of the most impactful freshmen of the modern era.
No. 12 – John Wall (2009-10)
Stats: 16.6 PPG, 6.5 APG, 1.8 SPG
Team finish: Elite Eight
Wall was Calipari’s trailblazer at Kentucky—the first true superstar guard of the one-and-done era in Lexington. From his viral dance to his blinding speed, Wall became a national sensation. He was an AP First Team All-American, SEC Player of the Year, and Wooden Award finalist. His 6.5 assists per game ranked third nationally
No. 1 – Anthony Davis (2011-12)
Stats: 14.2 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 4.7 BPG
Team finish: National Champion
At No. 1 overall, there’s no debate: Anthony Davis had the best freshman season since 2000—and maybe ever. Davis led Kentucky to its first national title in 14 years, won the Wooden Award, was named NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player, and led the nation in blocks. All as a freshman. Unprecedented.
Did anyone miss the cut?
Kentucky fans might argue that other stars like Devin Booker, Jamal Murray, or even De’Aaron Fox deserved a nod. But with five selections—2nd during that time span—it’s clear Kentucky’s freshman legacy remains is elite.
One-and-done, but never forgotten
Whether it ended in a title or a tearful exit in March, each of these freshmen left their mark on Kentucky basketball—and the sport as a whole. And while some schools hope for one generational freshman every decade, Kentucky has been spoiled with a handful every single year.
