FROM GLORY TO LEGACY: Where Are the Stars of Kentucky’s 2012 National Championship Team Now?
LEXINGTON, KY — It’s been over a decade since the University of Kentucky Wildcats captured the hearts of the nation and etched their names into history with a dominating run to the 2012 NCAA National Championship. That iconic team, led by a mix of youthful talent and unshakable poise, became one of the most celebrated in modern college basketball.
But as the years have passed, one question echoes through the halls of Rupp Arena and across Big Blue Nation: Where are they now?
From NBA stardom to coaching, philanthropy, and everything in between, here’s a look at where the key members of that legendary squad are today—and how their journey from glory continues to inspire a new generation of Wildcats.
Anthony Davis – The Brow That Brought the Title
The unquestioned cornerstone of the 2012 team, Anthony Davis was a shot-blocking machine and national sensation. After leading the Wildcats to their eighth NCAA title and sweeping nearly every major college award, Davis was selected No. 1 overall in the 2012 NBA Draft by the New Orleans Hornets (now Pelicans).
Now with the Los Angeles Lakers, Davis has become a multiple-time NBA All-Star, NBA Champion (2020), and remains one of the league’s premier big men. Off the court, he’s active in charitable efforts focused on youth education and inner-city outreach, recently launching a foundation aimed at improving public school athletics.
“That 2012 team was family,” Davis reflected during a recent interview. “Everything I do today still connects back to the roots I built in Lexington.”
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist – The Heart and Hustle
Known for his relentless defense and emotional leadership, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist was the perfect counterpart to Davis’s dominance. Drafted No. 2 overall in 2012 by the Charlotte Bobcats, Kidd-Gilchrist had a solid NBA career marked by tenacity and team-first play.
Since stepping away from pro basketball, MKG has become a passionate advocate for speech disorders, openly sharing his personal struggles with stuttering and founding the “Change & Impact” initiative to support youth facing similar challenges.
He’s also been spotted courtside at recent Kentucky games, serving as a mentor for current players.
Terrence Jones – Versatility on the Rise
A key forward who brought energy, length, and rebounding, Terrence Jones was an X-factor for the Wildcats. After a stint in the NBA with the Rockets, Pelicans, and Bucks, Jones continued his basketball journey overseas, playing in China, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico.
Jones has now shifted gears toward coaching and player development, training high school athletes in his hometown of Portland. He remains a vocal supporter of Kentucky basketball and occasionally returns to campus for alumni events.
Doron Lamb – The Silent Sniper
When Kentucky needed a big shot in 2012, Doron Lamb delivered. His silky-smooth jumper and 3-point range were crucial in the championship run, including a clutch performance in the title game.
Drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks, Lamb’s NBA career was short-lived, but he carved out a successful path playing overseas in Greece, Turkey, and the G League. These days, Lamb is based in Florida and runs a basketball skills academy, helping the next generation of guards find their rhythm.
Marquis Teague – The Floor General
The youngest player in Kentucky’s starting five, Marquis Teague showed incredible poise for a freshman point guard. He was selected by the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the 2012 NBA Draft and spent time in both the NBA and G League.
Now retired from playing professionally, Teague has transitioned to a career in scouting and front office work, recently joining the Indiana Pacers’ player development department. He’s also involved in community outreach programs in Indianapolis, focusing on mentorship and youth basketball.
Darius Miller – The Veteran Leader
As the lone senior on the team, Darius Miller was the glue that held the Wildcats together. His leadership, composure, and timely shooting were invaluable assets in that championship campaign.
Miller enjoyed a lengthy professional career that included stints with the New Orleans Pelicans and in Germany, where he won league titles. Since retiring, he has embraced coaching and mentoring, recently joining the Kentucky Wildcats staff as a special assistant, bringing his journey full circle.
Other Notables
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Kyle Wiltjer, a key reserve in 2012, transferred to Gonzaga and became a star in his own right. He’s now playing professionally overseas and remains one of the most decorated shooters in recent college hoops history.
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Eloy Vargas, the veteran backup center, continues to play internationally and recently expressed interest in coaching post-retirement.
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Jon Hood and Twany Beckham, role players beloved by fans, have pursued careers in sports media, public speaking, and youth mentorship.
The Legacy Lives On
The 2012 Kentucky Wildcats weren’t just a team—they were a movement. A perfect blend of raw talent, unselfishness, and coaching excellence under John Calipari, their 38-2 record and championship run set a new standard for one-and-done success in college basketball.
Thirteen years later, their legacy still looms large in Lexington. Young recruits study their highlights. Fans reminisce about the confetti in New Orleans. And the players themselves continue to carry that championship spirit into everything they do—on and off the court.
Final Word
From glory to legacy, the 2012 Wildcats are more than just a memory—they are proof that greatness leaves a lasting mark. Whether dominating in the NBA, inspiring change through philanthropy, or giving back to the game that made them stars, the members of that iconic team continue to show why they will always be legends in the Bluegrass.
Big Blue Nation never forgets. And this team? They’ll always be champions.
