Some Became Stars. Some Disappeared. The Shocking Truth About Kentucky’s 2012 Championship Team They made history in 2012 — but where are they now? From NBA fame to total obscurity, the real stories behind Kentucky’s title heroes
The 2011–12 Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball team, under head coach John Calipari, captured the NCAA national championship, marking the program’s eighth title. This team was notable for its blend of elite talent and unselfish play, featuring future NBA stars and role players who contributed significantly to the championship run. A decade later, the paths of these players have varied, with some achieving professional success and others fading into obscurity.
Anthony Davis was the cornerstone of the Wildcats’ success, earning the Naismith College Player of the Year award and leading the team with 14.2 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 4.7 blocks per game. Drafted first overall by the New Orleans Hornets in 2012, Davis has become one of the NBA’s premier big men, known for his defensive prowess and versatility. He has been selected to multiple All-Star teams and has been a key player for the Los Angeles Lakers, contributing to their 2020 NBA Championship victory.
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, selected second overall in the 2012 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Bobcats, had a promising start to his professional career. Known for his defensive skills and athleticism, Kidd-Gilchrist played eight seasons in the NBA. However, injuries hindered his development, and he last played for the Dallas Mavericks in 2020. Since retiring from professional basketball, he has focused on advocacy work, particularly in raising awareness about stuttering, a challenge he overcame during his youth.
Terrence Jones, a versatile forward for Kentucky, was drafted 18th overall by the Houston Rockets. He played seven seasons in the NBA, showcasing his scoring and rebounding abilities. After his NBA career, Jones continued his professional basketball journey overseas and, as of 2024, plays for Leones de Ponce in Puerto Rico’s Baloncesto Superior Nacional league.
Marquis Teague, the Wildcats’ starting point guard during their championship run, was selected 29th overall by the Chicago Bulls. Despite high expectations, Teague struggled to find a consistent role in the NBA, playing for four teams over four seasons. He later pursued a career overseas, with his last known professional stint being with Kolossos Rodou in Greece in 2022.
Doron Lamb, a sharpshooter for Kentucky, was drafted in the second round of the 2012 NBA Draft. His NBA career lasted only two seasons, but Lamb continued to play professionally in various countries. As of the latest reports, he is playing for UEB Gesteco Cividale in Italy’s Serie A2 league.
Darius Miller, a key contributor off the bench for the Wildcats, was drafted 46th overall by the New Orleans Hornets. He played several seasons in the NBA, including stints with the New Orleans Pelicans and Oklahoma City Thunder. After his NBA career, Miller played in Germany’s Bundesliga, earning accolades such as All-Bundesliga First Team honors and a EuroLeague 50–40–90 club selection. He retired from professional basketball in 2021.
Jarrod Polson, a walk-on guard for Kentucky, played a limited role during the championship season. He remained with the program for four years, contributing to the team’s success and earning recognition for his commitment. After graduation, Polson has kept a low profile, with no public records of professional basketball involvement.
Eloy Vargas, a reserve center for the Wildcats, played sparingly during the championship season. After college, Vargas pursued a professional basketball career overseas, with stints in various countries. His current whereabouts and professional status are not publicly documented.
John Calipari, the architect of Kentucky’s 2012 championship team, continued his coaching career after leading the Wildcats to their eighth national title. He coached at Kentucky until 2024, securing six SEC titles and four Final Four appearances. In April 2024, Calipari took over as head coach at the University of Arkansas. Despite a challenging first season, he led the team to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament, demonstrating his enduring coaching prowess.
The 2011–12 Kentucky Wildcats team remains a significant chapter in college basketball history. While the professional trajectories of its players have varied, their collective achievement of winning the national championship continues to be celebrated. Their stories reflect the unpredictable nature of professional sports careers, where early success does not always guarantee sustained prominence. Nonetheless, the legacy of the 2012 team endures, both in the memories of Kentucky fans and in the individual journeys of its players.
