It may not be a popular post, but Jamal Mashburn was huge in turning the program around after the near death penalty dealt with by the NCAA. Also I don't know how many ex players have made huge donations to the University like Mash did.
Other than that, there have been so many over my lifetime. Big Dan Issel, Kyle Macy, Kevin Grevey, Jack Givens, AD, Teyshaun Prince, Sam Bowie.......Louie Dampier, Pat Riley, Ralph Beard (outside the controversy), Joe B. Hall (for his loyalty to UK over his entire career, especially the hate he endured following Coach Rupp, yet still winning a NC).
And as for the poster about the dunce cap, these players were great at UK, regardless of their later career, so instead you get the dunce cap for making that comment. I'm just talking about players (and the coach) who were tremendous assets to UK when they were here. While some of these may have had either long or illustrious pro careers, I am strictly speaking about their time at UK.
GO CATS