2025 NBA draft prospects: Top 5 Kentucky Wildcats players to watch out

The Kentucky Wildcats have undergone a complete roster change this season with John Calipari's exit and Mark Pope's hiring. Calipari's time was marked by the recruitment of top NBA prospects and that is bound to change this season.

Pope has built his roster from the transfer portal, which consists mostly of incoming seniors or graduate seniors and a few high school recruits. While they may not be the highest NBA draft candidates, here are a few players to watch out for. Most of them withdrew from the 2024 NBA draft and will be using their time at Lexington to improve their draft stock.

Top 5 Kentucky Wildcats players to watch out before 2025 NBA draft

#1. Koby Brea

After testing the NBA waters, Koby Brea returned for his fifth and final year of college by transferring to Kentucky. The former Dayton had his best season with the Flyers last season as he averaged 11.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists. He shot 51.2% from the field, including 49.8% from the three-point range.

In his assessment, ESPN draft analyst Jonathan Givony said:

"Brea, who recently measured 6-foot-7, hit 100 3s at 50% 3P%, the only player in the college game to even come close to that feat. His ability to make deep spot-ups, run off screens and hit contested pullup 3s should draw considerable NBA interest with the platform he’ll have."

#2. Jaxson Robinson

Jaxson Robinson was the only player from the current Wildcats roster to be invited to the NBA draft combine in May. He failed to impress scouts and teams in Chicago, which could be one of his reasons for choosing to return.

Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman wrote in his report:

"While his scoring and shooting results were mixed at the combine, he was still able to showcase his picturesque stroke.

"Measuring under 6'5" in socks was disappointing, however, particularly given his athletic limitations. He'll be a second-round name if he stays in the draft for teams willing to bet on a shot-making specialist."

He averaged 14.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 1.3 apg in his senior season at BYU with six game starts. At Kentucky, Robinson will be looking to take a bigger role as he tries to improve his draft stock.

#3. Otega Oweh

In his sophomore season with Oklahoma, Otega Oweh doubled his averages from his freshman season and finished with 11.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg and 1.0 apg. He shot 49.3% from the field, including 37.7% from the three-point range.

According to Oweh's draft notes on NBA Draftroom:

"He’s a good movement shooter, relocates well and is deadly on the catch and shoot. ... Has a really good frame with a lot of strength and length and plenty of athleticism."

Oweh still has a few more eligibility years left and can grow immensely in Kentucky.

#4. Andrew Carr

After two years at Delaware and two more at Wake Forest, Andrew Carr declared for the 2024 NBA draft. However, he pulled out and transferred to his final stop, Kentucky. Carr averaged 13.5 ppg, 6.8 rpg and 1.5 apg while shooting 52.6% from the field.

This fifth season will be Carr's last chance at maxing his draft stock to ensure a selection next year.

#5. Amari William

After four years at Drexel, Amari Williams transferred to Kentucky.

"A physical big who has one of the most underrated college players in the country for several years, Williams has the tools and skillset to make an impact at the NBA level," Sports Illustrated wrote about Williams.

He had his best years as a junior and senior when he averaged 13.7 ppg, 8.8 rpg and 12.2 ppg, 7.8 rpg, respectively.