Former Wildcat Jim Master pledged $1 million to UK at the 1984 team's reunion

Jim Master gave a lot to the University of Kentucky during his four-year career in the Wildcats’ backcourt. As a senior in 1983-84, Master averaged 10 points per game on a loaded team that won the SEC’s regular season and tournament championships before a Final Four run in the NCAA. Last week, Master and the ’84 team were honored in Rupp Arena during Kentucky’s home game against Georgia, part of a 40-year celebration weekend in Lexington. During their reunion, Mitch Barnhart announced that Jim Master had given even more to the university: a million-dollar donation.

Earlier this evening at a reunion gathering of 1984 NCAA Final Four ⁦@KentuckyMBB⁩, athletics director Mitch Barnhart announced a $1 million pledge from Jim Master and his wife Sheila to UK. The team will be honored during UK-Georgia game tomorrow at Rupp. pic.twitter.com/pxQzjIIfE8

— Oscar Combs (@wildcatnews) January 20, 2024

Jim and Sheila Master’s significant contribution to Jim’s alma mater will be split among the athletics department and the Gatton College of Business. Master explained in a press conference that he donated for several reasons, one being to show student-athletes they can be successful with their UK education once their playing days are over.

“I hope it helps the university not only athletically,” Masters explained, “I hope it shows all young men or women that you don’t have to be a first-round draft pick, you don’t have to be a first-round baseball player, football. You can still be successful in life with a degree from Kentucky, and be a student-athlete, and move on and do good things.

“I hope that does something for the university; I hope it does something for other people, And I’m proud to do it.”

Master was also proud to be the celebrity Y at the game.

More on Jim Master

As a player, Jim Master left a lasting mark on Kentucky’s record books, ranking second all-time in career free-throw percentage (84.92%), trailing only Kyle Macy (88.98%) when he graduated in 1984. Master has since been passed by Tyler Herro (93.55%), Immanuel Quickley (89.55%), Jodie Meeks (88.99%), and Travis Ford (88.19%), but remains sixth on the career list.

Master is also a member of UK’s 1,000-Point Club with 1,283 career points. He was an All-SEC selection in 1982 and 1983, and was named to the 1983 NCAA All-Region Team.