WATCH: Kentucky raises Mike Pratt's jersey to the Rupp Arena rafters

At halftime of tonight’s game vs. Florida, Kentucky celebrated the late, great Mike Pratt. Pratt’s No. 22 jersey was raised to the rafters of Rupp Arena, honoring his career as an All-American player and 21 seasons as an analyst on UK radio broadcasts. Pratt, who died on June 16 following a three-year battle with cancer, was represented by his wife, Marcia, his teammate Dan Issel, and additional members of the family. 

Pratt spent two decades serving as Kentucky basketball’s color analyst for the UK Sports Network alongside Tom Leach. Before then, the Dayton, Ohio native played for the Wildcats from 1967-70 and led the team to an overall record of 71-12 and 48-6 in the SEC. He finished his career scoring 1,359 points, good for 26th in program history, while also earning All-SEC honors as a junior and senior, along with All-America honors his final season in Lexington.

John Calipari, Dan Issel on Mike Pratt

Pratt was inducted into the UK Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009, joining a long list of legends to come through Lexington. Now, his jersey finally hangs inside Rupp Arena.

“I’m so happy that Mike Pratt’s number and jersey will be raised in the rafters,” John Calipari said in a message that played on the jumbotron. “The legacy that he’s left, people sometimes forget how good a player he was. His number rank as high as anybody that’s ever played in this program. He was a bridge between the Rupp era, Coach Rupp, and now but he never left the program. Yes, he coached but when he came back, his love of this program, you could just feel it, see it.

“I loved talking to him. I loved traveling with him. I love talking about Coach Rupp and his practices and what he would do. Truly a good man and a great supporter of this university, this basketball program, and me personally. Unbelievable friend. So well deserved. Mike, you’re in the rafters.”

“I just want to say thank you to Cal, to Mitch, to Dr. Capilouto for making this night possible,” Issel, who also served as tonight’s celebrity Y, said. “It’s terrific. And I cannot be — I didn’t notice this until just a second ago — I cannot be prouder that he’s right up there next to me. I love it. I love it.”

“On behalf of all the great players that have played this game here, especially those who preceded Mike in the rafters, I just say, ‘Micheal Pratt, you made it my friend. You made it.’“

Calipari felt Pratt’s presence in Rupp

After the game, Calipari further commented on Pratt’s legacy and the importance of today’s ceremony. He even noted some symbolism in today’s win, proof that Pratt was watching from above.

“How many points did [Florida] have at halftime?” John Calipari asked after the game. “Twenty-two. Mike’s number. Who made the last points of the game? No. 22 [Cason Wallace]. You don’t think Mike was up there tipping balls away? Think about that.”

“One of the nicest people. Kind heart. We had his grandkids and his brother and his wife in the locker room after. I’m just happy for him. He’s been an unbelievable supporter of mine. It’s easy when things are going good for people to want to step up and want to be there and then when you struggle a little bit, they kind of run. Mike wasn’t that guy. Mike was the one who would talk through all the stuff.

“I love the guy and I miss him. I’m happy this was done. I told Mitch it’s a great move and well deserved. Top 30. Only played three years and scoring, rebounds, assists. He only played three years because freshmen didn’t play when he played.”

That one’s for you, No. 22.