The Greatest Number 10 in Kentucky Basketball History? ESPN Sparks Debate with Legendary Breakdown: Dampier vs. Bogans, But the Dark Horses Make Noise
Lexington, KY – June 2025
The hallowed rafters of Rupp Arena may not speak, but if they did, they’d be roaring right now.
In a special ESPN primetime segment titled “Legends in the Tens: Kentucky’s All-Time #10 Showdown,” the network pulled out all the stops in settling what has long been a heated debate among Big Blue Nation faithful: Who wore the No. 10 jersey best in Kentucky basketball history?
The Final Five: A Star-Studded Race
The top contenders? The usual suspects—Louie Dampier, the silky-smooth scorer from the 1960s who revolutionized the guard position, and Keith Bogans, the fearless 2000s floor general whose toughness and leadership helped propel Tubby Smith’s teams to national prominence.
But then came the twist.
ESPN analysts Jay Bilas, Jay Williams, and Seth Greenberg threw wildcards into the mix: Dirk Minniefield, Davion Mintz, and Andre Riddick—three often overlooked contributors whose legacies have quietly endured.
And just like that, the debate was reborn.
Louie Dampier: The Original Ten
Stats:
- 1964–1967
- 1,575 career points
- 44.7% FG, 81.9% FT
- NCAA Final Four (1966)
- Later ABA legend with Kentucky Colonels
“Dampier changed the way guards played in his era,” said Jay Bilas. “He was pure skill, poise, and vision—a precursor to Steph Curry before anyone knew what a stretch guard was.”
Keith Bogans: The Warrior
Stats:
- 1999–2003
- 1,923 career points (6th all-time at UK)
- SEC Champion (2003), All-American
- 2003 Elite Eight run ended with his injury vs. Marquette
“Bogans was the heartbeat of those early 2000s squads,” Jay Williams said. “His toughness, especially in 2003, might’ve cost them a national title when he went down.”
Dirk Minniefield: The Magician
Stats:
- 1979–1983
- 646 assists (3rd all-time at UK)
- Known for electrifying passes and alley-oops to Sam Bowie and Melvin Turpin
- SEC Assist Leader (multiple years)
Minniefield’s name resurfaced in a big way as ESPN re-aired highlight reels of his dazzling no-look passes, drawing social media frenzy and making Gen Z fans ask: Who is this guy?!
Davion Mintz: The COVID Era Captain
Stats:
- 2020–2022
- Transferred from Creighton
- Known for leadership during one of UK’s most challenging seasons
- Over 1,000 career points (combined NCAA)
“Mintz held that locker room together in 2020–21. That team could’ve folded,” Greenberg noted. “He’s remembered not just for stats, but for culture.”
Andre Riddick: The Enforcer
Stats:
- 1991–1995
- 228 career blocks
- Elite 8 appearances in 1992 and 1995
- Known as “The Rejector”
Known more for grit than glory, Riddick was an unsung hero whose physical presence in the paint brought fear into opposing offenses.
The Verdict? Not So Fast…
In a fan poll released during the live segment, the voting broke down as follows:
- Louie Dampier – 36%
- Keith Bogans – 30%
- Dirk Minniefield – 18%
- Andre Riddick – 9%
- Davion Mintz – 7%
But Bilas had the final word: “Stat sheets are one thing. Impact is another. There may never be a definitive answer—and that’s the beauty of Kentucky basketball.”
Final Takeaway
What started as a trip down memory lane turned into a celebration of legacy. Five players. One number. Countless memories.
The jersey number may be the same, but the greatness? That’s worn a little differently by each man.
So who’s the greatest #10 in Kentucky basketball history?
Ask ten fans—you might just get ten answers.
