American · Lexington, Kentucky · Born 21 September 1956Jack Givens led Kentucky to the 1978 NCAA championship, earning Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors after a 41-point title-game performance.
Jackie Lamont "Jack" Givens was born on 21 September 1956 in Lexington, Kentucky, to Betty Smith Givens, and grew up playing in the city's legendary Dirt Bowl summer league at Douglass Park. His basketball career nearly ended at 13, when he broke his nose during a junior high game; his mother wanted him to quit the team, and only the encouragement of his coach, along with his sister forging a permission slip, kept him playing. Givens starred at Bryan Station High School, being named 1974 Kentucky Mr. Basketball and a Parade All-American, and chose to stay home and play for the University of Kentucky under coach Joe B. Hall, becoming an instant fan favourite for keeping his talent in-state. Givens developed a smooth, high-arcing jump shot with a distinctive gooseneck follow-through that earned him the nickname "Goose," and became a three-time All-SEC selection and the school's second-leading scorer at the time of his graduation. His defining moment came on 27 March 1978, when he scored 41 points on 18-of-27 shooting to lead Kentucky past Duke in the NCAA championship game, a performance still regarded as one of the finest in tournament history, earning him Final Four Most Outstanding Player and the Helms Foundation Player of the Year award. The Atlanta Hawks selected Givens 16th overall in the 1978 NBA Draft, and he played two NBA seasons before continuing his career in Italy and Japan. Kentucky retired his No. 21 jersey, and he went on to a long broadcasting career as a colour analyst for the UK Sports Network, remaining one of the most beloved figures in Kentucky basketball history and authoring several books about the program he helped define.
Scoring 41 points in the 1978 NCAA championship game to lead Kentucky over Duke
How They Played
Givens was known for his smooth shooting stroke and ability to score from mid-range, particularly excelling at hitting jump shots from the perimeter. He possessed excellent court vision and basketball IQ, making him an effective team leader and clutch performer in crucial moments.
Lasting Impact
Givens left an indelible mark on Kentucky basketball history and remains one of the most revered figures in the program's storied tradition.
Career Honours
- NCAA champion 1978
- Final Four Most Outstanding Player 1978
- Helms Foundation Player of the Year 1978
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Wildcats | 1974–1978 | — |
American Athletes