All-Time Kentucky Team (Backup PG): #5 Wayne Turner

Today we unveil UK’s backup point guard on the GOAT squad: Wayne Turner.

Kentucky 1995-1999

Turner was a freshman when UK won it all in 1996, and the championship game against Syracuse is the only game in Turner’s four year career he did not see action in. He led UK back to the title game in ’97, and then won his second ring in ’98 as a part of Tubby’s Comeback ‘Cats. His senior season, Wayne guided the ‘Cats to the Elite Eight where they fell to the Spartans of Michigan State. That game was Turner’s 151st, the most all-time by any player to ever lace up in Division-I hoops.

In Wayne’s sophomore year (’97) he was named to the West Regional All-Tournament team. His Junior year (’98) saw him win MVP of the SEC Tournament and the NCAA South Regional, and record a UK record 8 steals in one game vs George Washington. And as a Senior (’99) he was named third-team All-SEC and to the SEC All-Tournament team as he scored a career high 24 against Ole Miss en route to the SEC title.

His career averages were 7.7ppg, 2.5rpg, 3.3apg and 1.6spg. Though many called Wayne’s jumper one of the ugliest of all-times, he shot 49% from the field in his collegiate career.

Wayne is UK’s all-time leader in steals (238), fourth in assists (494) and currently 40th in points, with 1,170 scored — he was 37th at the time of his departure.

The NBA 1999-2000

Turner was signed by Rick Pitino’s Boston Celtics during the 1999-2000 season and played in three games; logging 41 minutes, scoring four points, grabbing three rebounds and dishing out five assists.

Where Is He Now?

Turner is playing alongside other former Wildcats (Lukasz Obrzut most notably, as well as Bobby Perry and Ravi Moss) on the ABA’s Bluegrass Stallions. Their next game is tomorrow night (December 26th) at 7:00pm. Go out to the Horse Park and watch one of Kentucky’s all-time greats in action.

Also follow Wayne on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/wayneturner76