When Jack “Goose” Givens lit up the 1978 NCAA National Championship game with 41 unforgettable points against Duke, he etched his name into college basketball folklore and into the hearts of Big Blue Nation (BBN). Wearing the now-iconic No. 21 jersey, Goose led the Wildcats to a title and a place in history. But decades later, a question still lingers in Lexington and across Kentucky: Is Goose Givens really the greatest No. 21 to ever don the blue and white?
Enter Tayshaun Prince — a smooth, lanky forward whose skillset, poise, and defensive tenacity made him one of the most beloved Wildcats of the modern era. From 1998 to 2002, Prince dazzled fans with clutch performances, NBA-level defense, and jaw-dropping three-point barrages. His 2001 game against North Carolina — where he hit five straight threes to open the game — remains one of Rupp Arena’s most electric moments.
Statistically, both legends stack up well. Givens scored over 2,000 career points, including his masterful championship performance. Prince wasn’t far behind, finishing with 1,775 points, multiple All-SEC honors, and SEC Player of the Year in 2001. Prince may not have won a national title, but he played during a transitional era and still elevated his teams to multiple deep NCAA Tournament runs.
And then there’s legacy. Givens represents the golden era of Kentucky basketball in the late ’70s — when the Wildcats finally brought home their fifth NCAA title after a 20-year drought. His number hangs in the rafters. Prince, meanwhile, became a beacon for Kentucky during the early 2000s and went on to win an NBA Championship and Olympic gold — continuing the Kentucky legacy on a global stage.
So, who’s the best No. 21 in UK history? For some, it’s Goose — the championship hero, the scorer who showed up when it mattered most. For others, it’s Prince — the modern-era marvel with a complete game and pro success that brought prestige to the program long after graduation.
In truth, the debate may never be fully settled. But one thing is certain: both men wore No. 21 with honor, and both left a legacy that continues to inspire every Wildcat who puts on that jersey. Whether you lean Goose or Prince, you’re standing on legendary ground.
