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Quizzes > Sports

Kentucky basketball trivia: Test your Wildcats knowledge

Quick, free Kentucky Wildcats quiz with instant results and fun facts.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Vinicius RobertooUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art basketball and cutout letters spelling Wildcats trivia quiz on coral background inviting fans to test knowledge

This Kentucky basketball trivia quiz helps you test your knowledge of Wildcats history, stars, and big moments. You will see where you stand and learn a few fun facts along the way. Compare your score, then try more challenges like college basketball trivia and basketball trivia questions, or broaden your fandom with Kentucky trivia.

In which year did the Kentucky Wildcats win their first NCAA Men's Basketball Championship?
1960
1948
1951
1996
The Kentucky Wildcats captured their first NCAA title in 1948 under coach Adolph Rupp by defeating Baylor 58 - 42. This championship marked the program's rise as a national power in college basketball. Rupp's squad featured stars like Alex Groza and Wallace 'Wah Wah' Jones.
What is the official nickname of the University of Kentucky's men's basketball team?
Volunteers
Gators
Wildcats
Cardinals
The University of Kentucky's teams are known as the Wildcats, a name that dates back to 1909 when a student newspaper described the football squad's fearless play as 'fighting like wildcats.' Since then, the moniker has become one of the most iconic in college sports.
What is the name of the primary home arena for Kentucky Wildcats basketball?
Commonwealth Sportsplex
Wildcat Stadium
Rupp Arena
Memorial Coliseum
Rupp Arena, named after legendary coach Adolph Rupp, has been the home of the Wildcats since it opened in 1976. It is one of the largest on-campus basketball arenas in the nation and is often called ''The World's Most Famous Arena.''
Which coach holds the record for the most wins in Kentucky men's basketball history?
John Calipari
Adolph Rupp
Joe B. Hall
Rick Pitino
Adolph Rupp coached Kentucky from 1930 to 1972 and amassed 876 wins, the most in school history. His tenure included four national championships and established Kentucky as a basketball powerhouse.
What are the official team colors of the Kentucky Wildcats?
Blue and White
Black and Gold
Red and White
Green and Blue
The University of Kentucky's official colors are blue and white. The royal blue shade is synonymous with the Wildcats and is featured prominently on their jerseys and merchandise.
Which in-state school is considered Kentucky's fiercest basketball rival?
Cincinnati Bearcats
West Virginia Mountaineers
Tennessee Volunteers
Louisville Cardinals
The Kentucky - Louisville rivalry, often called the Battle of the Bluegrass, is one of college basketball's fiercest in-state rivalries. The schools are separated by just 75 miles but have very different fan cultures.
The Kentucky Wildcats compete in which NCAA conference?
Southeastern Conference
Big Ten Conference
Big 12 Conference
Atlantic Coast Conference
Kentucky is a founding member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), which they helped establish in 1932. The Wildcats have dominated the league historically, winning numerous regular-season and tournament titles.
How many NCAA Men's Basketball Championships have the Kentucky Wildcats won?
6
9
7
8
Kentucky has won eight NCAA championships (1948, '49, '51, '58, '78, '96, '98, 2012), second only to UCLA's 11 titles. Their success spans multiple coaching eras, reflecting the program's sustained excellence.
What is the official seating capacity of Rupp Arena for basketball games?
20,000
25,000
23,500
30,000
Rupp Arena can seat approximately 23,500 fans for basketball contests, making it one of the largest on-campus arenas in the NCAA. This capacity contributes to its reputation for an electric game-day atmosphere.
Which Kentucky player was selected first overall in the 2012 NBA Draft?
DeMarcus Cousins
Anthony Davis
Jamal Murray
Karl-Anthony Towns
Anthony Davis was chosen first overall by the New Orleans Hornets in the 2012 NBA Draft after a standout freshman season at Kentucky, where he averaged 14.2 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 4.7 blocks per game.
Which team did Kentucky defeat in the 1998 NCAA Championship game?
North Carolina
Duke
Utah
Kansas
In 1998, Kentucky defeated Utah 78 - 69 to win its seventh national title under coach Tubby Smith. The Wildcats used a balanced attack and strong defense to secure the victory in San Antonio.
In what year did John Calipari become head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats?
2010
2008
2009
2007
John Calipari was hired by Kentucky in March 2009 following a successful stint at Memphis. He has since led the Wildcats to multiple Final Four appearances and the 2012 national championship.
Which Kentucky player won the Naismith College Player of the Year award in 1978?
Dan Issel
Anthony Davis
Jamal Mashburn
Jack Givens
Jack Givens was named the 1978 Naismith College Player of the Year after averaging 20.9 points per game and leading Kentucky to the national championship. His 41-point performance in the final earned him Most Outstanding Player honors.
The Kentucky - Louisville basketball rivalry is also commonly known by what nickname?
River Rivalry
Battle of the Bluegrass
Commonwealth Clash
Kentucky - Derby Duel
The annual matchup between Kentucky and Louisville is called the 'Battle of the Bluegrass,' referencing Kentucky's nickname as the Bluegrass State. It's one of college basketball's most heated in-state rivalries.
In which year did Rupp Arena officially open its doors?
1970
1968
1980
1976
Rupp Arena opened in October 1976, replacing Memorial Coliseum as Kentucky's primary basketball venue. Its debut marked a new era for the program and has since hosted countless memorable games.
Who holds the single-game scoring record for Kentucky with 51 points?
Anthony Davis
Jamal Mashburn
DeMarcus Cousins
Dan Issel
Dan Issel scored 51 points against St. John's on December 5, 1970, setting Kentucky's single-game scoring record. Issel's performance remains unmatched over five decades later.
How many Southeastern Conference regular-season titles has Kentucky won?
48
55
46
50
Kentucky has captured 50 SEC regular-season championships, the most of any school in conference history. This dominance spans from the 1930s through the present day.
Which Kentucky coach boasts the highest career winning percentage (minimum 100 games)?
Joe B. Hall
Rick Pitino
Adolph Rupp
John Calipari
Adolph Rupp won 876 of 1,066 games at Kentucky for a .821 winning percentage, the highest among coaches with at least 100 games. His teams never had a losing season during his 42-year tenure.
Before moving to Rupp Arena, Kentucky played its home games in which facility?
Boyd-Perkins Center
Wildcat Stadium
Memorial Coliseum
Commonwealth Sportsplex
From 1950 to 1976, Kentucky hosted home games at Memorial Coliseum on campus. The 12,500-seat venue was replaced by Rupp Arena to accommodate a growing fan base.
Which jersey number did Anthony Davis wear during his lone season at Kentucky?
23
2
33
15
Anthony Davis donned number 23 during his 2011 - 12 freshman season at Kentucky. He led the team to a national championship and was named Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four.
Which player set the Kentucky freshman record for blocked shots in a season with 186?
Anthony Davis
Nerlens Noel
Willie Cauley-Stein
Karl-Anthony Towns
Anthony Davis swatted 186 shots in his freshman campaign (2011 - 12), setting the school's single-season block record by a wide margin. His defensive presence was crucial to Kentucky's championship run.
Kentucky's series with which former conference rival was known as the "Border War"?
Vanderbilt Commodores
Auburn Tigers
Tennessee Volunteers
Missouri Tigers
The Kentucky - Missouri basketball rivalry was dubbed the 'Border War,' reflecting the historic border disputes between the states. It persisted through Missouri's SEC membership until 2012.
What are the names of Kentucky's two official costumed mascots?
Billy & Sammy
Big & Blue
Wild & Blue
Scratch & Snap
Kentucky introduced two wildcat mascots, Scratch and Snap, in 2008 to accompany Blue for men's basketball games. They appear together at events and NCAA tournaments.
Who was the first African-American basketball player to appear for the Kentucky Wildcats?
Nate Northington
Sam Bowie
Tom Payne
Wes Unseld
Tom Payne signed with Kentucky in 1969 and became the school's first African-American basketball player. His arrival helped break racial barriers in the SEC.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall Iconic Wildcats Moments -

    After completing the Kentucky trivia quiz, readers will be able to recall memorable buzzer-beaters and historic game highlights that have shaped Wildcats lore.

  2. Identify Legendary Kentucky Players -

    Quiz takers will learn to recognize key figures in Kentucky basketball history, from All-American stars to NBA draftees, and understand their impact on the program.

  3. Analyze Pivotal Matchups -

    Participants will gain insight into classic Wildcats vs. rival showdowns, breaking down turning points and strategies that decided epic contests.

  4. Compare Season Stats and Records -

    Users will be equipped to compare standout campaign statistics and school records, enhancing their grasp of Kentucky basketball's statistical milestones.

  5. Apply Trivia Expertise in Game Nights -

    Armed with new wildcats trivia knowledge, fans can confidently lead or join college basketball quiz sessions and challenge friends with fun facts.

Cheat Sheet

  1. NCAA Championship Legacy -

    Kentucky leads the kentucky basketball quiz pack with eight NCAA titles (1948, 1949, 1951, 1958, 1978, 1996, 1998, 2012), per NCAA records. Remember "8 rings of blue," a mnemonic that highlights each championship year. This dominant history cements the Wildcats as one of college basketball's most decorated programs.

  2. All-American Icons -

    From Dan Issel's 2,138-point career (UK Athletics) to Anthony Davis's 2012 National Player of the Year honor (NABC) and John Wall's All-American season in 2010 (ESPN), these stars define wildcats trivia greatness. Think "DI AW" to recall Issel, Davis, Wall in order of their national awards. Their achievements underscore Kentucky's ongoing pipeline of elite talent.

  3. Historic Winning Streaks -

    The 1977 - 78 to 1978 - 79 teams posted a record 60-game home win streak at Memorial Coliseum, according to NCAA archives. Use the phrase "60 in a row" to lock in that milestone run. Such consistency reflects the program's relentless competitive culture.

  4. Rupp Arena: The Bluegrass Coliseum -

    Since opening in 1976, Rupp Arena has hosted over 600 home games with a 20,545 seating capacity (University of Kentucky). Think "Rupp's Runway" to remember its role as a basketball launching pad. Its electric atmosphere fuels countless wildcats trivia moments.

  5. "Rupp's Runts" Underdog Story -

    The 1965 - 66 team, nicknamed "Rupp's Runts" for their sub-6'5" lineup, stunned fans by winning the SEC regular season (UK Athletics). The catchy moniker helps recall this undersized squad's 27 - 2 record. Their fearless play remains a staple question in any college basketball quiz.

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