Former Kentucky star Devin Booker swaps jersey number to honor father

Alaina Morris, Louisville Courier JournalMon, June 22, 2026 at 5:01 PM UTC

0

90581372007

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker announced he will be changing his jersey number from No. 1 to No. 15.

The former Kentucky Wildcat has worn No. 1 his entire NBA career and during his lone season in Lexington from 2014-2015. He had looked to obtain No. 15 when he arrived on campus, but it belonged to Willie Cauley-Stein.

Booker has only worn No. 15 when playing for Team USA in the 2020 and 2024 Olympics. It was Marcus Morris' number when Booker was drafted by the Suns in 2015, so he stuck with No. 1.

But on Father's Day, the Suns released a video on social media of Booker speaking with his dad, former NBA point guard Melvin Booker, about finally making the switch.

“I’ve been chasing 15 my whole career,” Devin Booker said. “It’s always been a family number. Obviously (my dad) wore it, and I looked at (him) as the blueprint for success.”

Advertisement

Melvin Booker played guard at Missouri, where he was an All-American selection and Big Eight Player of the Year in 1994.

"It's an honor for you to represent the family the way you do," Melvin said to Devin. "To put that 15 out there on that stage, it's going to be amazing to watch this season."

Devin Booker just finished his 11th NBA season in Phoenix, where he's scored 19,520 points. The former Wildcat is a five-time All-Star, one-time All-NBA First Team selection and one-time All-NBA Third Team selection. This past season, Booker averaged 26.1 points and 6.0 assists per game.

Reach sports trending writer Alaina Morris at amorris@gannett.com and follow her on X at @alainammorris.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker changes jersey number to match father

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Sports”