Kentucky's long awaited "big man" finally materialized in the form of junior center Dan Issel. Issel's aggressive floor play and accuracy at the foul line established his reputation as the best center in the Southeastern Conference. He was able to break long standing scoring and average records of some of the Wildcat's most illustrious superstars. Mike Casey's quick-as-mercury hands made him a terror on defense and enable him to reset the team assist record. Mike Pratt's brawn proved the undoing of most of the opposing forwards he met. Although hampered with a broken finger during the early half of the season, he was able to set a new record for accuracy from the field.

The team's only senior, guard Phil Argento, dramatically readjusted his playing style in order to provide the floor leadership needed by any winning team. While a freshman, Argento frequently scored over 50 points per game. This season, with a locker-room full of prolific scorers he became team captain in fact as well as name, and sacrificed the glory of scoring for the rigors of playmaking. Larry Steele's starting role was a surprise even to himself. The skinny forward's grace and bearing on the court, coupled with his determination in rebounding held his position for him.

The nation's "winningest" coach continued his winning ways this season. Adolph Rupp became the first coach to ever accumulate over 800 wins in intercollegiate competition. The University became the first to claim 1000 wins in basketball. Rupp credits, much of his success to the crowd and fans of the University. "When you've got fans like these, it's not too hard to coach," says Der Baron. "That's one of the reasons that I've stayed here."