5 Travis Ford

Travis Ford was born Travis Shane Ford on December 29, 1969, in Murray, Kentucky to Edward (Eddie) Lee Ford and Patricia (Pat) Gayle Cambron Ford.

As a kid, Ford pretended to be Kyle Macy.  As legend has it, he was 2 years old when he first tried to shoot a basketball.  He’d tag along to the gym with his father Eddie, then a coach at Webster County in Kentucky.  As an eighth-grader at Madisonville North Hopkins High School in Kentucky, Ford made the varsity team where he quickly established himself as a standout point guard. Known for his sharp shooting, court vision, and leadership, Ford was a highly sought-after recruit by college programs across the country.  He averaged 31.7 points and 8 assists as a senior at North Hopkins High and guided the Maroons to their third straight regional championship.  Ford was named Western Kentucky Player of the Year twice.  He was only the second player in school history to have his jersey retired as he holds school career records with points (2,676), assists (677), three-point goals (226), games played (128), consecutive games scoring in double figures (68) and free throw percentage (85%).

Ford was not recruited by Louisville or Kentucky.  He initially committed to the University of Missouri, where he played during his freshman season (1989-1990). However, he transferred to the University of Kentucky to play under coach Rick Pitino, a move that would define his college career.

At Kentucky, Ford played from 1991 to 1994 and became one of the program’s most reliable and skilled guards. He was known for his incredible shooting accuracy, particularly from three-point range and the free-throw line. Ford’s ability to control the tempo of the game, combined with his scoring prowess, made him an integral part of the Wildcats’ success during the early 1990s.

During his tenure, the Wildcats reached the NCAA Elite Eight in 1992 and the Final Four in 1993. Ford’s standout moments included leading Kentucky to victories with his clutch shooting and steady playmaking.

Ford led the Southeastern Conference in free throw accuracy as a senior and set the league record for free throws made.  He was Kentucky’s third-best scorer in 1993-94, averaging 11.3 points. A team player, he liked to find the open man inside.  He was named the MVP of the SEC tournament as a senior, collecting a combined 39 points, 18 assists, and eight 3-pointers.

Statistically, Ford left a lasting mark on Kentucky basketball. He finished his career as one of the top free-throw shooters in school history, boasting a remarkable 91.3% free-throw percentage during the 1992-1993 season, one of the best in NCAA history.

After college, Ford briefly pursued a professional playing career before transitioning to coaching, where he found long-term success.

Travis Ford’s legacy is built on his resilience, adaptability, and basketball IQ. As a player, his achievements at Kentucky solidified his status as a Wildcats legend. As a coach, Ford has earned respect for his ability to rebuild programs and mentor young players.

Through decades of involvement in the sport, Ford has left an indelible mark on college basketball, remaining a beloved figure in his home state of Kentucky and beyond.