From one storied basketball program to another, former UK basketball player Rajon Rondo ascended to the heights of the basketball universe Tuesday, helping lead the Boston Celtics to their NBA best 17th title.

Rondo, who played at UK in the 2005 and 2006 seasons, helped lead the Wildcats to 2005 NCAA Elite Eight finish, while setting the UK single season steal record with 87.

Having one of the most well-rounded games in his young career, Rondo finished with 21 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, and six credited steals in leading the Celtics to a 131-92 win over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 6 of the NBA Finals.

“It has been a long time coming, I mean the last time they won a championship was when I was born, so I’m excited to be a part of this organization,” said Rondo.

“You know, tonight Rondo was the star,” said Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson. “He was the guy out there that made plays, got the steals, pushed their offense into high drive, and created havoc for us.”

Rondo finished the series averaging 9.3 ppg, 6.7 apg and 3.8 rpg.

The 22-year old Louisville native, who just completed his second season with the Celtics, became the 12th Wildcat to win an NBA Championship. In the past five seasons, five former Wildcats from four different teams have won an NBA title including Tayshaun Prince with the Detroit Pistons (2004), Nazr Mohammed with the San Antonio Spurs (2005) and Derek Anderson and Antoine Walker with the Miami Heat (2006). In addition, Rondo is the fourth former Wildcat to claim an NBA Title with the Boston Celtics joining Lou Tsioropoulos (1957 and ’59), Frank Ramsey (1957, ’59-64) and Rick Robey (1981).