Walter's Wildcat WorldSince 1998, honoring Kentucky basketball history, players, teams, moments, and traditions.

Walter’s Wildcat Dispatch — September 24, 2026

YOUR DAILY SOURCE FOR KENTUCKY BASKETBALL NEWS
Walter’s
WILDCAT
DISPATCH
VOL. 1 · NO. 26
LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY
SEPTEMBER 24, 2026
THE DAILY FIVE

Dan Issel Releases Long-Awaited Memoir

Kentucky legend has released Dan Issel: From Kentucky Wildcat to Legend, a new memoir published by the University Press of Kentucky. The Hall of Famer recounts a career that carried him from ‘s Wildcats to the Kentucky Colonels and Denver Nuggets, along with his later years as a coach and executive. The book was officially announced Thursday, Sept. 24.

Wildcat World angle: Few players occupy a larger place in Kentucky basketball history. Issel remains Kentucky’s career scoring leader with 2,138 points, a mark he established more than half a century ago.
Source: uknow.uky.edu

Mason Williams Making His Case as Kentucky’s Preseason Sleeper

Freshman guard continues to draw attention as Kentucky moves into official preseason practice. The four-star prospect arrived without the national billing of many recent Kentucky freshmen, but praised Williams during the summer as a player who is “much better than people give him credit for” and has a chance to become special. With Kentucky’s backcourt rebuilt around several new pieces, Williams is attempting to earn meaningful minutes immediately.

Why it matters: Williams gives Kentucky another ball-handler behind the more experienced guards and could provide Pope considerably more backcourt depth than the Wildcats had during last season’s injury-plagued campaign.
Source: kentucky.com

Tre Mitchell Turns 26 After Adding a European Championship

Former Kentucky forward Tre Mitchell celebrates his 26th birthday today. Born Sept. 24, 2000, Mitchell spent the 2023-24 season at Kentucky before beginning his professional career in Europe, and he is now with JL Bourg in France after helping the club capture the 2026 EuroCup championship.

Wildcat World angle: Mitchell’s one season in Lexington included 27 appearances and gave Kentucky an experienced frontcourt presence during ‘s final season as head coach.
Source: wildcatworld.com

Rodrick Rhodes Celebrates 53rd Birthday

Former Kentucky wing turns 53 today. The highly regarded St. Anthony’s product arrived in Lexington as part of Rick Pitino’s celebrated 1992 class and played three seasons for the Wildcats, helping Kentucky reach the 1993 Final Four and winning three consecutive Tournament championships before finishing his college career at Southern California. Rhodes was later selected 24th overall by Houston in the 1997 NBA Draft.

Wildcat World angle: Rhodes remains ninth on Wildcat World’s Kentucky career steals list with 163 despite playing only three seasons in Lexington.
Source: wildcatworld.com

Remembering Captain Carl Staker on His Birthday

Former Kentucky captain was born 106 years ago today, Sept. 24, 1920, in Maysville, Kentucky. Staker captained Adolph Rupp’s 1941-42 Wildcats to SEC regular-season and tournament championships and Kentucky’s first appearance in the NCAA Tournament, helping the Wildcats defeat Illinois before their run ended against Dartmouth. He later served as a U.S. Navy officer in the South Pacific during World War II.

Wildcat World angle: Staker occupies a special place in program history as captain of the team that made Kentucky’s first NCAA Tournament appearance — five years before Rupp’s Wildcats won their first national championship.
Source: wildcatworld.com
WILDCATWORLD.COM · EST. 1998 · KENTUCKY BASKETBALL HISTORY