With the national championship game tipping off tonight, here’s a look at where the last Kentucky players to hoist the trophy are now.
It’s been over ten years since the 2011–12 Kentucky Wildcats climbed the ladder in New Orleans, wrapping up a 38-2 season with a national title and a stacked squad full of pros, fan favorites, and future legends. Here’s where that unforgettable roster has landed since that magical night.
Anthony Davis | C | Chicago, IL
The face of that squad, Davis went first overall in the 2012 NBA Draft and has more than delivered. He’s an 8-time All-Star, an NBA champ (2020), and still elite. Now with the Mavericks in 2025 after a massive trade for Luka Dončić, Davis remains a top-tier two-way force despite injury battles. Future Hall of Famer, no doubt.
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist | SF | Somerdale, NJ
Drafted right after Davis at No. 2, MKG brought energy and elite defense—though his jumper drew criticism. He logged eight seasons, mostly in Charlotte. Injuries shortened his run, but he left respected. Today, he runs a nonprofit supporting people who stutter, a cause close to his heart.
Doron Lamb | SG | Queens, NY
Lamb’s NBA career was brief, but he became a fixture overseas—especially in Italy, where he’s still playing. Known in Lexington for his smooth shot, Lamb has forged a consistent and successful European basketball career.
Terrence Jones | PF | Portland, OR
Jones flashed real talent in the NBA, notably with Houston, where he posted strong numbers. He also played in China, the Philippines, and more. A globe-trotting veteran now, Jones remains active on the court internationally.
Marquis Teague | PG | Indianapolis, IN
Teague didn’t quite stick in the NBA but kept his pro career alive overseas and now plays in the Big 3 league. He’s remained close to the game, finding new ways to compete and stay involved with hoops.
Darius Miller | SF | Maysville, KY
Miller played in both the NBA and Europe, peaking in New Orleans as a reliable shooter. He quietly put together a steady pro career and now lives in Lexington, involved in TBT’s La Familia and exploring coaching.
Kyle Wiltjer | PF | Portland, OR
After transferring to Gonzaga, Wiltjer reemerged as a college star. He had a short NBA stint but found consistency abroad. Currently in Italy, he was an early prototype for today’s stretch-four role.
Eloy Vargas | C | Moca, D.R.
Vargas went global, playing in South America and representing the Dominican Republic. Now suiting up in Colombia, he’s still controlling the paint over a decade after cutting the nets.
Jarrod Polson | PG | Wilmore, KY
Polson opted out of a pro career and shifted to nonprofit work. Now a market developer in Lexington, he still finds time to play in church leagues. A Kentucky fan favorite who stayed close to home.
Jon Hood | SG | Madisonville, KY
Injuries ended Hood’s playing days early, so he turned to coaching. He’s now on staff at Missouri Western, after stops at Kentucky Wesleyan and Frederick Douglass High. He’s still part of the basketball world.
Ryan Harrow | PG | Marietta, GA
Harrow transferred to Georgia State, went undrafted, and played in Greece and elsewhere. Now back in the States, he trains young athletes and uses his international experience to mentor the next wave.
Twany Beckham | SG | Louisville, KY
Beckham stayed close to basketball post-college, helping coach La Familia in TBT and working as a motivational speaker. He was a key locker-room guy during the title run and still shares those lessons today.
Sam Malone | PG | Scituate, MA
Malone is now behind the scenes, serving as assistant GM for La Familia in TBT. Off the hardwood, he runs an advertising agency as CEO, proving success comes in many forms after basketball.
Brian Long | PG | Dumont, NJ
A walk-on back then, Long moved into the business world and most recently held an executive role at Walmart, according to his LinkedIn. He’s another example of success beyond the box score.
Coaches: John Calipari, Kenny Payne, Orlando Antigua, John Robic
John Calipari led Kentucky until 2024 and now coaches at Arkansas.
Kenny Payne returned to assist Cal after stints with the Knicks and Louisville.
Orlando Antigua, a top recruiter, is now with Illinois after rejoining Kentucky for a time.
John Robic stepped into an administrative role after years on the bench.
The 2012 team was a blend of one-and-dones, veterans, walk-ons, and transfers—coming together for a title. Davis became a superstar, but every player has carved out a unique path, making their banner season all the more legendary.