The Dunk You Probably Haven’t Seen: James Lee’s Unforgettable Moment in Kentucky Basketball History
While the 1978 Kentucky Wildcats are forever etched in history for their national title victory over Duke, highlighted by Goose Givens’ 41-point performance, few remember who scored the last basket of that game—James Lee. This former Wildcat center’s dunk during an exhibition against the Soviet Union in 1977, however, remains one of the most talked-about moments in Kentucky basketball history. Let’s revisit that iconic moment.
Kentucky’s Showdown with the Soviet Union: A Game for the Ages
The Soviet Union’s national basketball team was no slouch, coming off a silver medal at the 1976 EuroBasket tournament. When they visited Lexington in 1977 for an exhibition game, they were a formidable force, boasting towering players like 7’2″ Aleksander Belostenny and 7’4″ Vladimir Tkachenko. Despite their imposing size, Kentucky showed no fear, overwhelming the Soviets with a dominant 109-75 victory. However, it wasn’t the score that stuck with fans—it was one unforgettable dunk by James Lee.
The Dunk That Defied Expectations
In this exhibition game, Lee, known for his athleticism and power, faced off against the towering Soviet defenders. At one point, as Lee soared toward the basket, a 7-footer challenged him at the rim. Big mistake. Lee powered through the defender with incredible force, slamming the ball down so violently that the rim nearly came off. The Soviet player was left crumpled on the floor, with reports varying on whether he shook off the impact or simply wanted no part of Lee after that.
The dunk itself is the stuff of legend—but the truly unfortunate part is that no video footage exists of the moment. Despite the lack of visual evidence, those who witnessed it in Memorial Coliseum still talk about it, sharing stories of how the crowd erupted and how the dunk felt like it had shaken the building itself.
The Dunk That Lives in Kentucky Lore
While James Lee’s name might not dominate modern highlight reels, the memory of his dunk in 1977 is an enduring piece of Kentucky basketball lore. Fans of the era still speak of it with awe, and those lucky enough to have seen it firsthand will swear it ranks as one of the greatest dunks in the program’s history—if only there were footage to back up their claims.
Today, the dunk lives on as a part of Kentucky’s storied basketball past, passed down through word of mouth, a “ghost story” of sorts for those who were there. And if you ever meet someone who witnessed it, don’t hesitate to ask them about James Lee’s unforgettable dunk—you’ll see their eyes light up in excitement, even decades later.
