The 2024-25 Kentucky basketball roster is unlike any they’ve had in recent memory. There aren’t any top five recruits, or a top five class of recruits, on the floor playing a year then heading for the NBA. It’s how it usually works in Lexington.
Instead, this year, coach Mark Pope was a whirlwind hire after an abrupt coaching change, and a roster had to be scrambled together. The transfer portal was the main way that players joined this year’s team.
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The results, thus far, have been very good, despite the unorthodox roster. Kentucky has been ranked as high as a top five team this season, and have exceeded many of the expectations that experts had before the year began.
Looking ahead, the Wildcats are used to putting a lot of players in the NBA. However, this year’s NBA mock drafts aren’t predicting Kentucky players to be in demand. So, do any of this year’s upperclassmen have an NBA future?
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From a pure talent standpoint, Otega Oweh has NBA stamped on him. He shoots it well enough, can create his own shot, and is a very good defender. However, he lacks the length that teams prefer, so that could affect his ability to be drafted early. Still, he should get a shot with a team at some point.
NBA future: Yes
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Lamont Butler has been fantastic for Kentucky this season. His ability to steady the ship and keep the offense moving has been invaluable. He has also shown an ability to make big shots. Like Oweh, his size isn’t ideal, but he seems likely to at least get an extended look for a team.
NBA future: Yes
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There was a shot that Jaxson Robinson was going to declare for the draft last offseason, before he decided to follow Mark Pope to Lexington. He has many of the skills that teams look for, including good length and ability to knock down shots. However, he has to improve his consistency, as he has been up and down this season.
NBA future: Needs more
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Koby Brea is one of the best shooters in all of college basketball, and shooting translates to the next level. Defensively, he still needs to improve, but his ability to shoot it from long range can’t be taught. It’s a skill that could get him into the draft process.
NBA future: Yes
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Andrew Carr is another player who has stepped up as a leader on the floor for the Wildcats. He has been good in some big games, and his versatility helps make the offense work. The defense is an issue at times for him, and his lack of bulk has allowed him to get boxed out for offensive boards a little too often. Unfortunately, while he has talent, he doesn’t quite check enough boxes for the NBA.
NBA future: No
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Ansley Almonor is another big man with a nice shooting touch. He can make teams pay for leaving him outside the arc. On defense, though, he struggles, and doesn’t rebound as well as some with his size. The NBA will have a hard time finding a fit for him.
NBA future: No
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At 7’0″ and 260 lbs, Amari Williams has legitimate NBA big man size. Defensively, he’s very good. He has the strength to bang inside, and has some shot-blocking ability. However, his offensive game is limited. He doesn’t shoot it effectively from more than a few feet away, though he is a terrific passer. An NBA team could take a chance on developing his offensive game.
NBA future: Needs more
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Kerr Kriisa plays with attitude, so he brings something to the floor that teammates like. He plays hard and is never willing to surrender, which is admirable. He’s a good passer, and can knock shots down from three-point range, but can be streaky. He also has the willingness, but not the anchor to play consistently solid defense.
NBA future: No
