Jack Givens Reflects on the Impact of James Lee at Kentucky
Over four decades have passed since Jack Givens and James Lee shared the basketball court as teammates at the University of Kentucky, yet Givens continues to recount stories about his lifelong friend whenever he can.
“James and I go way back, even before our high school days,” Givens shared. “His father was the pastor at Greater Liberty Baptist Church, the same church my family attended. That connection laid the foundation for a strong friendship that has endured over the years. To this day, we remain very close.”
Givens, who earned MVP honors at the 1978 Final Four and now serves as an analyst for the UK Radio Network, often emphasizes the contributions Lee made during their time at Kentucky. While Givens’ iconic 41-point performance in the 1978 NCAA championship game against Duke is what many fans remember most, he is quick to highlight a moment from Lee that holds equal significance in his mind.
“Everyone remembers my scoring that night, but James had this incredible dunk near the end of the game that capped off our season perfectly,” Givens recalled. “It was one of those plays that not only energized the team but also symbolized everything we had worked for that year.”
Lee’s role on the team was unique yet vital. Givens noted that, despite Lee’s immense talent—enough to start for nearly any other college program in the nation—he willingly embraced his position as Kentucky’s sixth man. “James understood the importance of his role and played it with precision. He could have been the star anywhere else, but he chose to contribute to the team’s success in his own way. That kind of selflessness is rare.”
During practices, Givens and Lee frequently faced off against one another, sharpening their skills under the watchful eye of head coach Joe B. Hall, who placed a strong emphasis on defense. Givens chuckled as he reminisced about the creative ways they navigated those defensive drills.
“We had this little agreement to work hard enough on defense to make it look convincing to Coach Hall,” Givens admitted. “We picked up some tricks along the way—Kevin Grevey, another UK great, showed us how to make it seem like we were giving it our all on defense, even if we weren’t. It worked for a while, but deep down, I think Coach Hall always knew what we were up to.”
Looking back, Givens acknowledges not just the memories but the lessons and camaraderie forged during those years. James Lee’s willingness to prioritize the team over personal accolades, coupled with their shared experiences both on and off the court, remains a source of pride for Givens. Their enduring friendship is a testament to the bonds that can be formed through mutual respect, hard work, and a shared commitment to greatness.
