LEXINGTON, KY— A true Kentucky basketball legend has received one of the state’s highest sporting honors. Tayshaun Prince, one of the most iconic players in University of Kentucky history and a revered NBA champion, has been officially inducted into the 2025 Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame.
The announcement, made early Thursday morning, was met with widespread celebration across the Bluegrass State. Prince’s contributions to Kentucky basketball are etched deep into the program’s rich legacy, and his induction serves as a tribute to a career defined by excellence, class, and championship pedigree.
Prince, a 6-foot-9 forward from Compton, California, suited up for the Kentucky Wildcats from 1998 to 2002. During his college career, he earned SEC Player of the Year honors in 2001, was a consensus All-American, and remains one of the most versatile and skilled wings ever to wear the blue and white. His silky-smooth jumper, defensive prowess, and clutch performances—like the unforgettable 31-point game against North Carolina in 2001 where he made five consecutive three-pointers—are still vividly remembered by fans.
Upon entering the NBA, Prince was selected by the Detroit Pistons in the 2002 Draft and went on to have a highly successful professional career. He played a pivotal role in Detroit’s 2004 NBA Championship run, where his defense, leadership, and poise were crucial. His iconic block on Reggie Miller in the Eastern Conference Finals remains one of the most legendary defensive plays in NBA Playoff history.
Now, as a front office executive with the Memphis Grizzlies, Prince continues to contribute to the game, mentoring young players and building the next generation of stars.
In a statement, Prince shared his gratitude:
“I am humbled to be honored by the place that shaped so much of who I am—on and off the court. The University of Kentucky and the Commonwealth have always been home to me. This induction means the world to me.”
Kentucky head coach Mark Pope and former teammates have also expressed their congratulations, with Pope stating,
“Tayshaun is the embodiment of what it means to be a Wildcat—unselfish, relentless, and full of integrity. His legacy will forever be a cornerstone of Kentucky Basketball.”
Congratulations, Tayshaun Prince — once a Wildcat, forever a Hall of Famer.
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