Kentucky Wildcats continue to prove why it’s called The Gold Standard in college basketball. As the 2024-25 NBA season tips off, 29 former Wildcats are on official rosters—more than any other college program in the country.
From household names like Anthony Davis, Devin Booker, and Bam Adebayo, to new rookies like Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham, Kentucky’s NBA presence remains unmatched.
A Legacy of NBA Stars
Since John Calipari took over in 2009, Kentucky has turned the NBA Draft into an annual showcase. Dozens of first-round picks, multiple All-Stars, and even Finals MVPs have emerged from Lexington’s powerhouse program.
This season alone, Kentucky players appear on nearly every NBA roster, proving the program’s mix of talent, discipline, and pro readiness.
Complete List of Kentucky Players in the NBA (2024-25 Season)
| Player | NBA Team |
|---|---|
| Bam Adebayo | Miami Heat |
| Devin Booker | Phoenix Suns |
| Brandon Boston Jr. | New Orleans Pelicans |
| Anthony Davis | Los Angeles Lakers |
| Rob Dillingham | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| Justin Edwards | Philadelphia 76ers |
| De’Aaron Fox | Sacramento Kings |
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| Tyler Herro | Miami Heat |
| Isaiah Jackson | Indiana Pacers |
| Keldon Johnson | San Antonio Spurs |
| Chris Livingston | Milwaukee Bucks |
| Trey Lyles | Sacramento Kings |
| Tyrese Maxey | Philadelphia 76ers |
| Malik Monk | Sacramento Kings |
| Jamal Murray | Denver Nuggets |
| Immanuel Quickley | Toronto Raptors |
| Julius Randle | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| Antonio Reeves | New Orleans Pelicans |
| Nick Richards | Charlotte Hornets |
| Shaedon Sharpe | Portland Trail Blazers |
| Reed Sheppard | Houston Rockets |
| Jacob Toppin | New York Knicks |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | New York Knicks |
| Oscar Tshiebwe | Utah Jazz |
| Jarred Vanderbilt | Los Angeles Lakers |
| Cason Wallace | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| PJ Washington | Dallas Mavericks |
| TyTy Washington Jr. | Phoenix Suns |
Young Blood Meets Proven Veterans
This year’s class mixes rising stars and veterans alike.
- Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham, both lottery picks, headline Kentucky’s next generation.
- De’Aaron Fox, Tyrese Maxey, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are already among the league’s brightest guards.
- And proven big men like Anthony Davis, Bam Adebayo, and Karl-Anthony Towns continue to dominate the paint.
Coach Calipari’s Blueprint Lives On
Although John Calipari is no longer at the helm, his recruiting philosophy and player development pipeline continue to pay dividends. Kentucky’s emphasis on NBA-style spacing, speed, and versatility makes the transition to the pros seamless.
“Players don’t just come to Kentucky to win in college,” Calipari once said. “They come to prepare for the next level.”
This roster proves he wasn’t exaggerating.
The Wildcat Standard
No other school has produced this kind of sustained NBA impact. Whether you’re watching the Lakers, Thunder, or Kings, chances are a Wildcat is on the floor.
From Rupp Arena to arenas across the NBA, Kentucky’s brand of basketball continues to dominate at every level.