College basketball fans are well aware of the rich tradition of University of Kentucky basketball, from their seven national titles (second only to UCLA) to their becoming the first Division I basketball program to reach 2000 wins. However, the Kentucky Wildcats and their fans have had to travel a long road with many ups and downs in the course of becoming one of the most prestigious programs in college basketball.

UK Basketball's Humble Beginnings

The first basketball season at the University of Kentucky (then Kentucky State College) began in 1903, with the program recording its first win on February 18, 1903, over the Lexington YMCA at the State College Gymnasium; this victory would be the only win of the program's three-game season. Despite their future success, Kentucky would not have its first winning season until 1909. Three years later, the program would record its first undefeated season and earn the title of Southern Champions, the first of the program's many championships.

In 1921, the Kentucky basketball team made history by winning the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association (SIAA) Championship. While conference tournaments are the norm today, the SIAA tournament is believed to be the first college basketball tournament ever played. The 1920-21 season also saw UK's first All-American, Basil Hayden.