Kentucky Basketball Legends Tony Delk & Oscar Combs Inducted into UK Athletics Hall of Fame
Two iconic figures in Kentucky Wildcats history have officially earned their place among the program’s all-time greats. Tony Delk and Oscar Combs have been confirmed as the latest inductees into the UK Athletics Hall of Fame, cementing their legacies in the rich tradition of Kentucky basketball.
Few players in Kentucky history have left a mark quite like Tony Delk. The former Wildcats guard was a key figure in the team’s 1996 national championship run, leading the Wildcats to a dominant NCAA title under head coach Rick Pitino. Known for his sharpshooting, elite defense, and leadership on the court, Delk was named Final Four Most Outstanding Player after scoring 24 points in the championship game against Syracuse.
During his time in Lexington from 1992-1996, Delk became one of the most feared scorers in program history, finishing with 1,890 career points and setting a then-school record for three-pointers made (283). His No. 00 jersey hangs proudly in the Rupp Arena rafters, a testament to his incredible career. Following his time at UK, Delk went on to enjoy a 10-year NBA career, further solidifying his basketball legacy.
While Delk made history on the court, Oscar Combs shaped the Kentucky basketball experience from behind the scenes. A legendary sports journalist and the founder of the Cats’ Pause, Combs has been one of the most respected voices in UK athletics for decades. His deep knowledge of the program and his dedication to covering the Wildcats helped shape the way fans engaged with the team long before the digital era.
Combs’ influence goes beyond journalism—his storytelling, insights, and historical perspective on Kentucky basketball have made him an essential figure in the Wildcats community. His induction into the Hall of Fame is a fitting recognition of his decades-long contribution to UK Athletics.
Delk and Combs now join an exclusive club of Kentucky legends, further immortalizing their impact on one of college basketball’s most storied programs. Their inductions celebrate not only their individual contributions but also the lasting legacy they’ve left on Big Blue Nation.
With this honor, both men take their rightful places in Wildcats history, ensuring that their influence on the program will never be forgotten.
