Thread: Should John Wall have his jersey retired in Rupp?

This topic was brought up in another thread and i want to see what NOB as a whole thinks. Since i believe John Wall helped to bring the program back to the "national media" spotlight just like Jamal Mashburn did in the early 1990's after Sutton landed us on probation. Should John Wall's jersey be retired and hung in Rupp's rafters. I know he was only a one year guy but i believe he was special. He set alot of records at the time and is the only #1 NBA Draft pick in UK history as of today. He had everyone exicted about UK winning again and had everyone doing the John Wall dance. Mashburn himself was only a two year player and at that time 2 years was similar to the one season of todays game. Since Mashburn had his jersey retired i personally think Wall made a big enough impact on the program in one season to be included so what does NOB think and why?

No. Players should get their jersey retired if they stay for 3 or more years and have really good stats or they win a national championship and they just had amazing stats for a year and left. Wall had good stats, but he only led us to an Elite Eight. Patrick Patterson should be the only Wildcat that should get his Jersey retired IF any of them deserved to get their jersey retired. Oh, and don't hate me for saying this, but I think Cousins was and is better than Wall. I know they are different positions but I just think he was better

Originally Posted by KentuckyWildcatsarecool

No. Players should get their jersey retired if they stay for 3 or more years and have really good stats or they win a national championship and they just had amazing stats for a year and left. Wall had good stats, but he only led us to an Elite Eight. Patrick Patterson should be the only Wildcat that should get his Jersey retired IF any of them deserved to get their jersey retired. Oh, and don't hate me for saying this, but I think Cousins was and is better than Wall. I know they are different positions but I just think he was better

I think your 3 year rule is too late because of guys like Mashburn. Not to mention it is just terrible. I think that you have to not only lead this team to success, but that player himself has to be the leader, and leave his mark on this program for years to come. I don't believe you can do that in just one season, and Wall didn't. People will remember him, but they will think of the entire team, not just him. When you think of Patterson, you think of how dominant he was and how he and Meeks together were the team. If anyone from the last 3-5 yrs deserves to be hung in the rafters, not literally, then it should be Patterson. Wall just didn't give any of us a chance to see his full potential.

John Wall should not have his jersey retired. In the years of "one and done", you should have to stay a minimum of two years to have your jersey hung in the rafters. These kids are forced to attend college against their will, and even though he was and is a special player, I honestly believe he received more credit than he deserved. He is one of the fastest players in the NBA, but that is all he has going for him. His shot is mediocre at best and we clearly saw that he doesn't perform well in the clutch (a lucky three pointer in OT vs. Mississippi State was all that I remember him doing well and he might as well not played vs. WVU to name a few...a buzzer beater in his first game hardly counts considering who we played). I wish him the best but I could care less about him and Cousins and Bledsoe and how they are doing. I was happy to have them on our team because it was an exciting year, but I agree with the man who made the comment about Cousins. I feel like we would have been a good or even great team without Wall, but we could not have gone nearly as far without Cousins (though neither deserve to have their jerseys hung in the rafters). You could make a case for Knight if he leaves since he led us to a Final Four, but he will long be forgotten in five or so years. Furthermore, if these freshman do win us a national championship next year, I still vote to not put their jerseys in the rafters if they leave early. It's the players like Prince and Bogans who stuck around and decided to not leave for the NBA that deserve more recognition than they receive even though they couldn't win a championship because they were dedicated to the program. I am very happy to have these talented players come to UK, even if only for a year, because these are the rules we have to play by and I want the best of the best, but Patterson, Harrelson, Prince, Hayes, and Bogans (to name a few recent players) will always have a higher place in my heart because of their devotion to UK basketball.

Originally Posted by KentuckyWildcatsarecool

No. Players should get their jersey retired if they stay for 3 or more years and have really good stats or they win a national championship and they just had amazing stats for a year and left. Wall had good stats, but he only led us to an Elite Eight. Patrick Patterson should be the only Wildcat that should get his Jersey retired IF any of them deserved to get their jersey retired. Oh, and don't hate me for saying this, but I think Cousins was and is better than Wall. I know they are different positions but I just think he was better

I can't compare who is better between Wall and Cousins due to there positions of course. I also agree Patterson should but IMO he is not the first or only player that deserves it. There a good list of players from 92-present that are worthy before Patterson.

Originally Posted by Steve Dave

I think your 3 year rule is too late because of guys like Mashburn. Not to mention it is just terrible. I think that you have to not only lead this team to success, but that player himself has to be the leader, and leave his mark on this program for years to come. I don't believe you can do that in just one season, and Wall didn't. People will remember him, but they will think of the entire team, not just him. When you think of Patterson, you think of how dominant he was and how he and Meeks together were the team. If anyone from the last 3-5 yrs deserves to be hung in the rafters, not literally, then it should be Patterson. Wall just didn't give any of us a chance to see his full potential.

Yeah but its harder to shine bright around 4 future draft picks and more possible draft picks than it was for Pat and Jodie to shine around subpar talent. I think John did a great job as the team leader. I wanted him to stay too but NOBODY expected him to.

Originally Posted by aaronjwells32

John Wall should not have his jersey retired. In the years of "one and done", you should have to stay a minimum of two years to have your jersey hung in the rafters. These kids are forced to attend college against their will, and even though he was and is a special player, I honestly believe he received more credit than he deserved. He is one of the fastest players in the NBA, but that is all he has going for him. His shot is mediocre at best and we clearly saw that he doesn't perform well in the clutch (a lucky three pointer in OT vs. Mississippi State was all that I remember him doing well and he might as well not played vs. WVU to name a few...a buzzer beater in his first game hardly counts considering who we played). I wish him the best but I could care less about him and Cousins and Bledsoe and how they are doing. I was happy to have them on our team because it was an exciting year, but I agree with the man who made the comment about Cousins. I feel like we would have been a good or even great team without Wall, but we could not have gone nearly as far without Cousins (though neither deserve to have their jerseys hung in the rafters). You could make a case for Knight if he leaves since he led us to a Final Four, but he will long be forgotten in five or so years. Furthermore, if these freshman do win us a national championship next year, I still vote to not put their jerseys in the rafters if they leave early. It's the players like Prince and Bogans who stuck around and decided to not leave for the NBA that deserve more recognition than they receive even though they couldn't win a championship because they were dedicated to the program. I am very happy to have these talented players come to UK, even if only for a year, because these are the rules we have to play by and I want the best of the best, but Patterson, Harrelson, Prince, Hayes, and Bogans (to name a few recent players) will always have a higher place in my heart because of their devotion to UK basketball.

Well i gotta disagree as Wall made many clutch plays last season to win games, maybe you need to go back and watch a few games. Wall was also more mature than Cousins as well. Boogie was great but he also still is immature like getting kicked out of games, practices etc... So your saying that just because Mashburn played two years and accomplished the same or maybe less than Wall, that Wall doesn't deserve it due to the one year? What if Mashburn could of left after his first year back then, Would he not deserve it? Also i agree about Prince deserves it too. Look i'm not saying John Wall is the first and only player that deserves it as quit a bit do. That is however what i was asking everyone. I would pick Tony Delk to go first myself. Also i enjoyed Jorts this year but he not up there in my book. Talking about good for one season, that is Josh.

Is this a trick question? Does having your jersey retired mean having it hung from the rafters or just having the number retired? John was a great student, a fine person and a great player while he was here, but simply does not deserve having his jersey hoisted along with the greats. But I believe there have been players that have had there numbers retired as an acknowledgment of great contribution, that have not had their jersey raised to the rafters - and their numbers still remain active. Maybe I am wrong, but if I am not, then John certainley deserves that honor.

Originally Posted by jimbr

Is this a trick question? Does having your jersey retired mean having it hung from the rafters or just having the number retired? John was a great student, a fine person and a great player while he was here, but simply does not deserve having his jersey hoisted along with the greats. But I believe there have been players that have had there numbers retired as an acknowledgment of great contribution, that have not had their jersey raised to the rafters - and their numbers still remain active. Maybe I am wrong, but if I am not, then John certainley deserves that honor.

UK has never retired any actual player numbers so all jersey numbers can still be used. They only retire players jerseys and they are hung in Rupp with the other players jersey banners.

Originally Posted by BigBlueNation502

UK has never retired any actual player numbers so all jersey numbers can still be used. They only retire players jerseys and they are hung in Rupp with the other players jersey banners.

No player, I repeat, no player with less than 3 years, should have a jersey retired. It degrades players who stayed and gave it all. Now it is becoming a "cheapened" honor to play one stinking year and be rewarded for it. No way. This is how the love of money can cause even human life to be treated like a side of beef in a butcher shop. To me it is still "one and dumb."

I'm going to apologize to Butch Beard, Cliff Hagan, Dan Issel, Kenny Walker, Dale Brown, Louie Davender, Kevin Grevey, Tom Parker, Jack Givens, Rick Robey, et al. The list could go on for a long time. And the University of Kentucky owes all of the past players who stayed and did what was expected of them an apology. They are just as guilty as the players. Shame on you all.

Originally Posted by BigBlueNation502

UK has never retired any actual player numbers so all jersey numbers can still be used. They only retire players jerseys and they are hung in Rupp with the other players jersey banners.

I checked out Scott's site and indeed there has been many players that have had there numbers retired that are not in the rafters. It is a formality honor that is bestowed on players that have contributed at a special level - the actual number is kept active.

Cliff Hagan
Louie Dampier
Ralph Beard
Alex Groza

Just to name a few, there are many more. John Wall could very well be considered (IMO) for this level of honor as could Brandon Knight.

Originally Posted by jimbr

I checked out Scott's site and indeed there has been many players that have had there numbers retired that are not in the rafters. It is a formality honor that is bestowed on players that have contributed at a special level - the actual number is kept active.

Cliff Hagan
Louie Dampier
Ralph Beard
Alex Groza

Just to name a few, there are many more. John Wall could very well be considered (IMO) for this level of honor as could Brandon Knight.

You have got to be kidding. They are not even in the same category as the 4 mentioned above. Makes me want to puke.

Originally Posted by jimbr

I checked out Scott's site and indeed there has been many players that have had there numbers retired that are not in the rafters. It is a formality honor that is bestowed on players that have contributed at a special level - the actual number is kept active.

Cliff Hagan
Louie Dampier
Ralph Beard
Alex Groza

Just to name a few, there are many more. John Wall could very well be considered (IMO) for this level of honor as could Brandon Knight.

I repeat NO numbers have ever been retired at UK. The players name with there number have been retired but the numbers will be used again.

Here is a complete list:

Player	Number	Height	Position	Hometown (High School)
Basil Hayden	-	5-11	G-F	Paris, KY (High)
Carey Spicer	#17	6-1	F	Lexington, KY (Senior)
Forest Sale	#19	6-4	C-F	Harrodsburg, KY
John DeMoisey	#00	6-4	C-F	Walton, KY (High)
Layton Rouse	#10	6-1	G	Ludlow, KY
Ken Rollins	#26	6-0	G	Wickliffe, KY
Alex Groza	#15	6-7	C	Martins Ferry, OH (High)
Ralph Beard	#12	5-10	G	Louisville, KY (Male)
Wallace Jones	#27	6-4	F-C	Harlan, KY (High)
Cliff Barker	#23	6-2	G-F	Yorktown, IN (High)
Bill Spivey	#77	7-0	C	Warner Robins, GA (Macon Jordan)
Cliff Hagan	#6	6-4	C	Owensboro, KY (High)
Frank Ramsey	#30	6-3	G	Madisonville, KY (High)
Lou Tsioropoulos	#16	6-5	F	Lynn, MA (Classic)
Billy Evans	#42	6-1	F/G	Berea, KY
Gayle Rose	#20	6-0	G	Paris, KY
Jerry Bird	#22	6-6	F	Corbin, KY
Phil Grawemeyer	#44	6-7	F	Louisville, KY (Manual)
Bob Burrow	#50	6-7	C	Wells, TX (High)
Vernon Hatton	#52	6-3	G	Lexington, KY (Lafayette)
Johnny Cox	#24	6-4	F	Hazard, KY (High)
Cotton Nash	#44	6-5	C-F	Lake Charles, LA (High)
Louie Dampier	#10	6-0	G	Indianapolis, IN (Southport)
Pat Riley	#42	6-4	F	Schenectady, NY (Linton High)
Dan Issel	#44	6-8	C	Batavia, IL (High)
Kevin Grevey	#35	6-5	F	Hamilton, OH (Taft)
Jack Givens	#21	6-4	F	Lexington, KY (Bryan Station)
Rick Robey	#53	6-10	F-C	New Orleans, LA (Brother Martin High)
Kyle Macy	#4	6-3	G	Peru, IN (High)
Sam Bowie	#31	7-1	C-F	Lebanon, PA (High)
Kenny Walker	#34	6-8	F	Roberta, GA (Crawford County Comprehensive)
Deron Feldhaus	#12	6-7	F	Maysville, KY (Mason County)
John Pelphrey	#34	6-7	F-G	Paintsville, KY (High)
Richie Farmer	#32	6-0	G	Manchester, KY (Clay County)
Sean Woods	#11	6-2	G	Indianapolis, IN (Cathedral)
Jamal Mashburn	#24	6-8	F	Bronx, NY (Cardinal Hayes)

Note: Coaches Adolph Rupp, Joe B. Hall and Rick Pitino along with broadcaster Cawood Ledford and equipment manager Bill Keightley have also been honored

Source: HERE

Originally Posted by BigBlueNation502

I repeat NO numbers have ever been retired at UK. The players name with there number have been retired but the numbers will be used again.

Here is a complete list:

Player	Number	Height	Position	Hometown (High School)
Basil Hayden	-	5-11	G-F	Paris, KY (High)
Carey Spicer	#17	6-1	F	Lexington, KY (Senior)
Forest Sale	#19	6-4	C-F	Harrodsburg, KY
John DeMoisey	#00	6-4	C-F	Walton, KY (High)
Layton Rouse	#10	6-1	G	Ludlow, KY
Ken Rollins	#26	6-0	G	Wickliffe, KY
Alex Groza	#15	6-7	C	Martins Ferry, OH (High)
Ralph Beard	#12	5-10	G	Louisville, KY (Male)
Wallace Jones	#27	6-4	F-C	Harlan, KY (High)
Cliff Barker	#23	6-2	G-F	Yorktown, IN (High)
Bill Spivey	#77	7-0	C	Warner Robins, GA (Macon Jordan)
Cliff Hagan	#6	6-4	C	Owensboro, KY (High)
Frank Ramsey	#30	6-3	G	Madisonville, KY (High)
Lou Tsioropoulos	#16	6-5	F	Lynn, MA (Classic)
Billy Evans	#42	6-1	F/G	Berea, KY
Gayle Rose	#20	6-0	G	Paris, KY
Jerry Bird	#22	6-6	F	Corbin, KY
Phil Grawemeyer	#44	6-7	F	Louisville, KY (Manual)
Bob Burrow	#50	6-7	C	Wells, TX (High)
Vernon Hatton	#52	6-3	G	Lexington, KY (Lafayette)
Johnny Cox	#24	6-4	F	Hazard, KY (High)
Cotton Nash	#44	6-5	C-F	Lake Charles, LA (High)
Louie Dampier	#10	6-0	G	Indianapolis, IN (Southport)
Pat Riley	#42	6-4	F	Schenectady, NY (Linton High)
Dan Issel	#44	6-8	C	Batavia, IL (High)
Kevin Grevey	#35	6-5	F	Hamilton, OH (Taft)
Jack Givens	#21	6-4	F	Lexington, KY (Bryan Station)
Rick Robey	#53	6-10	F-C	New Orleans, LA (Brother Martin High)
Kyle Macy	#4	6-3	G	Peru, IN (High)
Sam Bowie	#31	7-1	C-F	Lebanon, PA (High)
Kenny Walker	#34	6-8	F	Roberta, GA (Crawford County Comprehensive)
Deron Feldhaus	#12	6-7	F	Maysville, KY (Mason County)
John Pelphrey	#34	6-7	F-G	Paintsville, KY (High)
Richie Farmer	#32	6-0	G	Manchester, KY (Clay County)
Sean Woods	#11	6-2	G	Indianapolis, IN (Cathedral)
Jamal Mashburn	#24	6-8	F	Bronx, NY (Cardinal Hayes)

Note: Coaches Adolph Rupp, Joe B. Hall and Rick Pitino along with broadcaster Cawood Ledford and equipment manager Bill Keightley have also been honored

Source: HERE

That is correct. Thanks for finding and posting this info.

kinda neat how Ky IN and OH dominate the list... tells you that those guys had big blue in their heart and understood what it meant to play for UK.. i think it is a direct correlation of how hard they play for UK and how close they are to the program.