The Kentucky Wildcats have long been synonymous with NBA success, consistently producing first-round talent for over a decade. But that impressive streak may be coming to an end. For the first time in 15 years, Kentucky could go without a first-round pick in the NBA Draft.
With John Calipari now gone, expectations for a dip in NBA-level talent were understandable. Even so, new head coach Mark Pope managed to guide the Wildcats to a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament—an encouraging result in year one. However, from an NBA scouting perspective, the talent drop-off has been noticeable.
Back in January, ESPN included five Kentucky players in its top 100 prospects for the 2025 NBA Draft. That optimism now looks overstated.
ESPN’s latest NBA mock draft paints a grim picture for Kentucky
According to the newest mock draft from ESPN, only one Wildcat is expected to be selected: Koby Brea. The Dayton transfer is currently projected to be a late second-round pick, potentially going between picks 53 and 56. Brea averaged 11.6 points per game off the bench this season and started just 16 contests.
If these projections hold, Kentucky’s longstanding tradition of producing at least one first-rounder will officially be snapped.
Amari Williams, another Wildcat, remains on the fringe of draft consideration, ranked No. 75 in ESPN’s top 100. Three others—Jaxson Robinson (No. 78), Andrew Carr (No. 91), and Otega Oweh (No. 92)—also made the list but are not currently projected to be selected.
For Pope, the road ahead includes more than just NCAA Tournament success. To truly follow in Calipari’s footsteps, he’ll need to reestablish Kentucky as an NBA pipeline and recruiting powerhouse.
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