As Kentucky basketball continues to develop talent, the road to the 2025 NBA Draft is heating up. While the Wildcats’ remarkable 14-year streak of producing a first-round NBA draft pick is likely to end in 2025, a select group of players from the team could still hear their names called this June. In the updated Top 100 NBA Draft prospects for 2025, released by ESPN’s Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo on Tuesday, four Kentucky players have earned spots, showcasing the Wildcats’ depth and NBA-caliber talent.
This marks a significant update from the previous ranking in October, with one new Wildcat breaking into the list and others experiencing shifts in their positions.
Fresh Face: Oweh Makes a Strong Entry
One of the biggest surprises in the new rankings is the entry of junior transfer, Oweh, who was not included in the Top 100 during the previous update. Oweh, who transferred from Oklahoma, has made an immediate impact at Kentucky. Leading the team in scoring with an average of 15.7 points per game, Oweh has demonstrated his well-rounded game with 4.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.3 steals per contest. His efficiency has been notable, shooting 52.1% from the field, 36% from three-point range, and 79.1% from the free throw line. With this level of performance, Oweh has quickly established himself as a player to watch for NBA scouts, and his placement in the Top 100 highlights his rising stock.
Significant Jumps: Garrison and Brea
Two Wildcats saw major improvements in their draft projections. Garrison, a sophomore transfer from Oklahoma State, moved up 15 spots in the rankings, showing increased promise. Despite coming off the bench, Garrison has been a consistent contributor for head coach Mark Pope, averaging 6.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.0 blocks in just 17.5 minutes per game. His shooting efficiency has also been impressive, connecting on 50% of his field goals. Garrison’s all-around game has made him a valuable asset to the Wildcats and his rising stock is a testament to his development.
Brea, another transfer, this time from Dayton, experienced a 12-spot jump in the rankings. Brea has been an offensive spark for Kentucky, averaging 11.9 points per game, and his proficiency from beyond the arc has been one of his standout attributes. With a 55.1% shooting percentage from three-point range, Brea has proven to be one of the Wildcats’ most dangerous weapons on the floor. His strong shooting and offensive contributions have made him a key player for Kentucky this season, and his climbing draft projection reflects his strong play.
Robinson’s Fall and Rise: A Tale of Two Seasons
On the flip side, Robinson, the BYU transfer, experienced a setback in the rankings, dropping nine spots to just barely remain in the Top 100 at No. 99. While Robinson has shown flashes of brilliance, his ranking reflects a need for more consistent play. He’s had standout performances, particularly in a recent game against Gonzaga, where he scored 18 points, dished out five assists, and grabbed three rebounds, all while stepping into the point guard role for a portion of the game. Robinson’s current season averages sit at 12.7 points per game on 43.9% shooting, a solid performance, but his drop in the rankings suggests scouts want to see more sustained excellence across his performances.
Kentucky’s Future NBA Talent
The presence of four Wildcats in ESPN’s Top 100 draft prospects reflects the talent and potential bubbling up from Kentucky’s program. While Oweh’s meteoric rise is perhaps the most notable, the growth and consistency from Garrison and Brea further cement Kentucky’s reputation as a breeding ground for future NBA talent. Though Robinson’s dip in the rankings shows that there’s still work to be done for some players, the fact that all four Wildcats remain on the radar of NBA scouts shows that the program’s future is bright.
As the 2024-2025 season progresses, these players will have opportunities to solidify their draft stock with strong performances, and with the NBA draft less than half a year away, it will be exciting to see who among them will make the leap to the next level. Whether or not Kentucky can extend its remarkable streak of first-round picks remains uncertain, but with this group, it is clear that the Wildcats’ pipeline to the NBA is as strong as ever.
