3 Rex Chapman

Rex Chapman was born Rex Everett Chapman on October 5, 1967, in Bowling Green, Kentucky, to Laura Lynn Little and Wayne Chapman. The son of a former Western Kentucky standout and ABA player, he became a sensation at Apollo High School in Owensboro. His soaring dunks and long-range shooting drew packed gymnasiums, and he finished with a school-record 2,286 points. Kentucky’s 1986 Mr. Basketball and a McDonald’s and Parade All-American, Chapman chose Kentucky and its passionate following.

As a freshman in 1986–87, Chapman immediately became Eddie Sutton’s offensive centerpiece. He led Kentucky in scoring and assists, earned SEC Freshman of the Year recognition, and gave the Wildcats a fearless young playmaker. His combination of shooting range and explosive athleticism made him one of the program’s most exciting attractions.

Chapman’s sophomore season brought SEC Tournament MVP and third-team All-America honors. Despite a cracked bone in his lower back late in the season, he returned after missing one game and helped Kentucky reach the Sweet Sixteen. He finished his two-year career with 1,073 points before entering the NBA draft.

His memorable performances included 26 points in Kentucky’s 85–51 rout of Louisville as a freshman and a career-high 30 against Villanova in his final collegiate game.

Chapman also earned SEC Academic Honor Roll recognition, pairing his basketball achievements with success in the classroom. Charlotte selected him eighth overall in the 1988 NBA draft, beginning a 12-year professional career followed by work as a scout and executive. Kentucky inducted him into its Athletics Hall of Fame in 2013. His NBA journey included the Charlotte Hornets, Washington Bullets, Miami Heat, and Phoenix Suns, carrying the Kentucky guard’s distinctive game onto basketball’s biggest stage.