22 Larry Stamper

Larry Stamper was born on January 6, 1950, in Clay County, Kentucky, to Edward Stamper and Lillie Roberts Stamper. He grew up in Beattyville and did not play organized basketball until the eighth grade at Lee County High School. His high school career had a humorous but rocky beginning when Lee County coach Heber Dunaway cut him from the team for showing up without the coach’s required burr haircut, forcing Stamper to watch from the stands for a semester before finally visiting a barber. Once on the hardwood, the 6-foot-6 forward quickly turned into a high school legend, leading the Bobcats to a 34-4 record, the 14th Region championship, and the school’s first-ever trip to the state tournament in 1968. For his efforts, Stamper was voted as the state’s best player alongside future Kentucky teammate Thomas Payne. In a dramatic performance that secured Lee County’s spot in the state tournament semi-finals, Stamper dominated with 30 points and 19 rebounds against Clark County. Although a new KHSAA age rule ruled him ineligible mid-way through his senior season after he turned 19 on January 6, 1969, Stamper had already led his team to a 13-3 record and was still named first-team all-state and the 14th Region’s best player for the second consecutive year. On March 16, 1969, with legendary head coach Adolph Rupp in attendance, Stamper signed his national letter of intent to play for the Kentucky Wildcats alongside fellow signee Jim Andrews.

As a freshman during the 1969–70 season, Stamper suited up for the Kittens, Kentucky’s freshman team. He quickly established himself as a force in the paint, finishing the year as the Kittens’ second-leading scorer and rebounder with stellar averages of 15.2 points and 12.0 rebounds per game. His offensive potential was on full display on February 14, 1970, when he scored a season-high 26 points to lead the Kittens to a 91-78 victory over Florida’s freshman squad. Stamper’s impressive freshman performance gave Wildcat fans their first look at a physical, hardworking forward who was poised to bring tough defense and rebounding to the varsity roster.

Stamper joined the varsity squad as a sophomore in the 1970–71 season, playing 212 minutes across 20 games and earning four starts under Coach Adolph Rupp. Although his season averages of 3.6 points and 2.8 rebounds per game were modest, he proved himself to be a reliable defender and rebounder who could step up in critical moments. His most memorable impact of the season came in a high-pressure, televised rivalry game at Indiana. Tasked with starting in place of the injured Larry Steele, Stamper delivered an outstanding defensive performance against Indiana’s heralded star George McGinnis and pulled down 12 crucial rebounds. This gritty performance solidified his reputation as a fearless defensive stopper capable of rising to the occasion in the program’s biggest games.

The 1971–72 season was Stamper’s most successful as a Wildcat, as the junior forward started all 28 games and averaged 35 minutes per game. Playing alongside Jim Andrews and Tom Parker on the front line of what would be Adolph Rupp’s final Kentucky team, Stamper averaged a double-double with 10.3 points and 10.2 rebounds per game while making the team’s fewest turnovers. He recorded career-high games of 20 points against Florida and 18 rebounds against Mississippi. Stamper brought his trademark meanness and physical toughness from Beattyville to the court, famously unleashing a quick right hand that decked Vanderbilt guard Jan Van Breda Kolff on January 24, 1972, after growing tired of being pushed around. At the end of the season, Stamper was honored with the Kiwanis 110% Effort Award, cementing his legacy as the engine of Kentucky’s physical identity.

Under first-year head coach Joe B. Hall, Stamper’s 1972–73 senior season was severely set back by a grueling ankle injury suffered against Indiana on December 9, 1972. Despite limping grotesquely off the Bloomington court in intense pain, the tough forward returned to action to defend Indiana’s Steve Downing, causing his ankle to swell balloon-like and forcing him to miss the next three games. Although Coach Hall continued to play Stamper for his rebounding, Stamper’s lack of offensive production ultimately cost him his primary role as the first frontcourt substitute off the bench. The rugged battler still played in 26 games, making seven starts, and averaged 3 points per game. His signature moment of the season—and the crowning achievement of his senior year—came in the NCAA Tournament when he scored Kentucky’s final six points in a thrilling 106-100 overtime victory against Fly Williams and Austin Peay.

Stamper is remembered by Kentucky fans for his absolute fearlessness in high-stakes moments, particularly during the team’s heated rivalry games and postseason runs. In his sophomore year, his stellar defensive effort against George McGinnis on national television turned a potential blowout into a classic showdown and earned Stamper widespread praise. His ultimate moment of glory, however, took place during the 1973 NCAA Mideast Regional semifinal. In a high-scoring, high-tension overtime battle against Austin Peay, Stamper did not flinch under pressure, scoring the game’s final six points to seal the 106-100 victory. This historic individual performance not only secured a major postseason win but also marked the first NCAA Tournament victory of Joe B. Hall’s head coaching career. These clutch performances, along with his legendary double-double season as a junior, defined Stamper as the ultimate team-first player who lived for the big moment.

Following his time at Kentucky, Stamper married Royetta Elaine Rowland of Ezel, Kentucky, on July 14, 1973, at the Ezel Presbyterian Church. The couple’s love story was deeply intertwined with Kentucky basketball, as their very first date had taken place at the 1970 Boys’ State Tournament. After his playing days, Stamper settled in Winchester and built a long, fulfilling career as a dedicated school teacher before his retirement. In his retirement, the former Wildcat stayed active by hunting, fishing, and playing golf. Stamper’s varsity career ended with 74 games played, 437 points scored, and 408 rebounds captured. Looking back on his basketball career, Stamper remains incredibly proud of his time in the blue and white. “Going to the state tournament and stuff is a heck of a feather in your cap,” he reflected. “Not many get to do it. But even less get to play at UK. That’s what I’m most proud of”.