Lexington, KY — In a tribute both monumental and heartfelt, the University of Kentucky has announced plans to honor one of its most beloved basketball sons, Devin Booker, with a statue outside Rupp Arena. The bronze tribute will immortalize the NBA superstar, celebrating not just his unforgettable stint with the Wildcats but his broader influence on the game of basketball and the culture of Big Blue Nation.
The announcement, made official at a press conference earlier this week, was met with overwhelming excitement from alumni, fans, and former teammates. Booker’s journey from Lexington standout to NBA icon has inspired a generation of players who dream of wearing Kentucky blue—and now his likeness will stand forever at the entrance of the very arena where his legend began.
A Short Stay, A Lasting Impact
Although Devin Booker only played one season for the Wildcats (2014–2015), his presence left an indelible mark on the program. As part of one of the most dominant teams in college basketball history, Booker was a member of the 38–1 Kentucky squad that captivated the country with its athleticism, depth, and cohesion. The team, coached by John Calipari, rolled through the regular season and SEC Tournament undefeated before suffering a heartbreaking loss to Wisconsin in the Final Four.
Booker, known for his silky shooting stroke and calm demeanor, became a fan favorite despite coming off the bench for much of the season. He averaged 10 points per game and shot over 41% from three-point range—efficiency and poise that stood out even in a roster filled with future NBA stars like Karl-Anthony Towns, Willie Cauley-Stein, and Tyler Ulis.
“Devin may not have been our starter, but he was our finisher,” said Calipari in a statement. “He brought professionalism, toughness, and leadership far beyond his years. And that jump shot? Pure art. He helped elevate Kentucky basketball and played with the kind of joy and intensity that our fans love.”
From Sixth Man to Superstar
What makes Booker’s rise so compelling is how seamlessly he transitioned from a role player at Kentucky to a go-to scorer in the NBA. Selected 13th overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 2015 NBA Draft, Booker quickly proved he was more than a sharpshooter. By his second season, he had dropped a historic 70-point game against the Boston Celtics—the youngest player in NBA history to do so.
Since then, Booker has been named to multiple All-Star teams, led the Suns to the 2021 NBA Finals, and earned a spot on Team USA’s gold-medal-winning squad in the Tokyo Olympics. With each accolade, he’s carried the pride of Kentucky with him.
“He represents everything good about this program,” said Mitch Barnhart, Kentucky’s athletic director. “Hard work, humility, and heart. This statue isn’t just about what Devin did in one season—it’s about what he became because of Kentucky, and what Kentucky became better at because of him.”
Symbolism Beyond the Bronze
The statue, designed by acclaimed sculptor Omri Amrany—whose sports statues include likenesses of Michael Jordan and Shaquille O’Neal—will capture Booker in a shooting motion, rising for one of his signature smooth jumpers. At his feet will be an engraved base with the inscription: “Big Blue Forever: Devin Booker, 2014–2015.”
In addition to the statue, the University plans to hold a weekend-long celebration of Booker’s career, tentatively set for the fall before the 2025–26 basketball season. The festivities will include a jersey dedication inside Rupp Arena, a youth basketball clinic led by Booker, and a panel discussion featuring former teammates, coaches, and Kentucky basketball legends.
Fans will also be able to visit a new exhibit in the Kentucky Basketball Museum showcasing Booker’s time in Lexington, complete with game-worn jerseys, highlight reels, personal memorabilia, and a documentary-style video chronicling his journey from Moss Point High School in Mississippi to Wildcat stardom and NBA dominance.
Reactions Pour In
Unsurprisingly, news of the statue has sparked widespread praise and emotion throughout the college basketball community.
Former teammate Tyler Ulis, one of Booker’s closest friends, posted on Instagram: “My brother earned this. Nobody worked harder, nobody stayed more humble. Proud to see you get your flowers, Dev.”
Karl-Anthony Towns echoed the sentiment on X (formerly Twitter): “One of the best shooters and best people I’ve ever played with. This is what legacy looks like. #BBN.”
Even current Wildcats—many of whom were still in elementary school when Booker played at UK—expressed awe at the news. Incoming freshman guard Jayden Quaintance said, “We all look up to Devin. He showed that you don’t have to be ‘the man’ at Kentucky to become a star. You just have to stay ready and be great when your number is called.”
More Than Basketball
Devin Booker’s story isn’t just about points and percentages. He’s been a vocal advocate for social justice, a philanthropist, and a role model off the court. His “Starting Five” initiative—pledging $500,000 to five Arizona-based non-profits each year—has made tangible impacts in communities that need it most. And in 2024, he launched a scholarship fund for first-generation college students at the University of Kentucky.
“Devin’s influence reaches well beyond the hardwood,” said UK President Eli Capilouto. “He embodies the best of what it means to be a Kentucky Wildcat—talented, generous, committed to excellence. We’re proud to honor him with a statue, but even prouder to call him part of our family.”
Why Booker?
Skeptics might ask: Why Devin Booker and not someone with more years at Kentucky or more individual accolades while in Lexington? The answer lies in what Booker represents—a modern-day Kentucky success story. In an era of one-and-done stars, Booker’s development from a rotation player into an NBA franchise cornerstone underscores the university’s ability to mold talent for long-term greatness.
“Booker’s story is unique because it proves that impact isn’t always measured by minutes or starts,” said ESPN analyst Jay Bilas. “It’s measured by influence. And few Kentucky players in the past decade have influenced basketball culture the way Devin Booker has.”
John Calipari, who coached Booker, agreed wholeheartedly: “This statue isn’t just a tribute to Devin. It’s a tribute to every kid who came to Kentucky, accepted their role, and trusted the process. Devin is proof that greatness doesn’t always need a spotlight to shine.”
The Fans’ Choice
It’s worth noting that Booker’s selection wasn’t merely administrative—it came following an extensive fan survey conducted by Kentucky Athletics earlier this year. The survey asked fans to nominate and vote for the next Wildcat to receive statue honors. Booker won by a landslide, with more than 70% of the vote.
“Big Blue Nation spoke loud and clear,” said Barnhart. “And we listened. This is a fan base that doesn’t just cheer—they cherish their heroes. Devin Booker is one of those heroes.”
Looking Ahead
The statue unveiling will coincide with a marquee non-conference game against Arizona, adding extra energy to what is already shaping up to be a blockbuster season for Kentucky. With new head coach Mark Pope reinvigorating the program and a mix of veteran returnees and high-octane freshmen, the Wildcats are expected to make serious noise in 2025–26.
Booker is expected to attend the unveiling along with family, friends, and members of the 2014–15 Kentucky team. While he has yet to issue an official statement, sources close to him say he is “humbled and honored beyond words.”
A Lasting Legacy
As the sun sets on the Kentucky campus, the bronze silhouette of Devin Booker will soon greet thousands of fans each year—young and old, new and lifelong. His statue will not just symbolize basketball greatness, but also humility, resilience, and the enduring connection between a player and the place that helped shape him.
In the words of Coach Cal: “He came to Kentucky as a young man with a dream. Now, he returns as a legend cast in bronze. Big Blue Nation, this one’s for you.
