Kentucky Wildcats: 30 Greatest Players in School History

By Bobby Reagan | Mar 6, 2015

Feb 28, 2015; Lexington, KY, USA; The Kentucky Wildcats cheerleaders perform during the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the second half at Rupp Arena. The Kentucky Wildcats defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks 84-67. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

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14. Ralph Beard

4 seasons, 10.8 points, Three Time All-American

Before the Michigan ‘Fab Five’ there was a ‘Fab Five’ that played in Lexington. Ralph Beard was a key player on this team, which won back-to-back national championships in 1948 and 1949 under Adolph Rupp.

Beard was a speedy guard who used that to his strength, constantly blowing by his opponent to get to the rim. He’s 12^th all-time in scoring at Kentucky, finishing his career with 1,517 points. More impressively was his durability, playing in 139 games for Kentucky.

Beard would go on to play in the first ever NBA All-Star game before his career was cut short due to a point-shaving scandal. He admitted he took $700 from gamblers but never shaved points as his collegiate teammate, Alex Groza admitted to.

Next: No. 13 Cotton Nash