34 Kenny Walker

Kenny Walker was born August 18, 1964, in Roberta, Georgia, and became one of the most celebrated high school players in the state’s history at Crawford County Comprehensive. The 6-foot-8 forward led Crawford County to back-to-back state championships, and as a senior in 1981-82 averaged 28.5 points and 18 rebounds while leading his team to a 30-1 record. He finished his three-year prep career with 1,938 points and 1,181 rebounds, earned Georgia Mr. Basketball honors and was a Parade All-American before committing to Kentucky in March 1982.

Known as “Sky” Walker for his explosive athleticism, he developed into one of the defining Wildcats of the 1980s. Walker helped Kentucky win three SEC regular-season championships and two SEC Tournament titles while reaching the Final Four during his career. He was a four-time All-SEC selection, earned consensus All-America honors in each of his final two seasons and was named SEC Player of the Year in both 1985 and 1986. He finished his Kentucky career with 2,080 points, then second in school history, along with 942 rebounds and 31 double-doubles. His No. 34 was later retired to the Rupp Arena rafters, cementing his place among the program’s most honored players.

One of Walker’s most memorable performances came in the 1986 NCAA Tournament against Western Kentucky, when he made all 11 of his field-goal attempts — a mark that remains one of the best perfect shooting performances in Kentucky history. Following his senior season, the New York Knicks selected him with the fifth overall pick in the 1986 NBA Draft. He played seven NBA seasons and became nationally known for his leaping ability when he won the 1989 NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

Walker remained closely connected to Kentucky after his playing career, settling in Lexington and becoming active in the community and local media. His basketball accomplishments were also recognized in his home state when he was selected for induction into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame as a member of its 2018 class.