The Kentucky Wildcats have long been a powerhouse in college basketball, churning out NBA talent year after year under the leadership of head coach John Calipari. As the 2025 NBA Draft Combine approaches, the Wildcats are once again at the forefront of basketball excellence. This year, the program will be sending a remarkable group of players who were instrumental in the team’s success during the 2024–25 NCAA season. Their presence at the combine is not only a testament to their individual growth but also to the developmental program and winning culture that Kentucky continues to uphold.
The 2024–25 season for Kentucky was nothing short of spectacular. With a team loaded with future NBA talent, the Wildcats made a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, showcasing their depth, versatility, and commitment to both ends of the floor. The success of the team was largely attributed to a blend of veteran leadership, high-level freshmen, and breakout sophomores who took major leaps in their development. Now, many of these stars are set to represent the blue and white one final time, not in Rupp Arena, but on the national stage at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine.
Among the most anticipated prospects attending the combine is dynamic point guard JaQuan Rivers, whose ability to control the tempo of the game and make plays under pressure drew comparisons to some of Kentucky’s greats from the past. Rivers averaged 16.3 points, 7.2 assists, and 1.8 steals per game during the season and served as the unquestioned leader on the court. His combination of speed, vision, and defensive instincts made him a fan favorite and a scout’s dream. Rivers’ performance during March Madness solidified his status as a first-round talent, and many believe he could rise into the lottery with strong showings at the combine.
Another standout is 6-foot-10 forward Kahlil Warren, whose athleticism and motor made him one of the most exciting big men in college basketball. Averaging a double-double with 14.7 points and 11.1 rebounds per game, Warren anchored Kentucky’s frontcourt with physicality and rim protection. His ability to switch defensively onto guards, combined with his improving perimeter shot, makes him a highly versatile prospect in today’s NBA. Scouts are eager to measure Warren’s vertical leap, wingspan, and agility during combine drills, as his physical tools are among the most elite in this draft class.
Joining Rivers and Warren is shooting guard Malik Anderson, a 6-foot-5 sniper who shot 42% from beyond the arc and was a constant threat in transition. Anderson’s off-ball movement and high basketball IQ allowed him to fit seamlessly into Kentucky’s offensive schemes, often punishing teams that focused too much on stopping Rivers’ penetration or Warren’s inside presence. What sets Anderson apart is his two-way potential — he’s not just a shooter, but also a strong perimeter defender who can guard multiple positions. At the combine, teams will be closely observing his lateral quickness, shot mechanics, and interview performance to assess his maturity and readiness for the NBA grind.
Not to be overlooked is sophomore wing Elijah Grant, who emerged as one of the most improved players in the SEC. At 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot wingspan, Grant averaged 13.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks while shooting a respectable 36% from three-point range. His versatility on both ends of the floor makes him an intriguing prospect for teams looking for a modern forward who can defend, rebound, and stretch the floor. Grant’s stock has been rising steadily, and a strong showing at the combine could push him into late first-round consideration.
Another name creating buzz is freshman phenom Bryce Holloway, who came into the program with immense hype and lived up to expectations. A 6-foot-7 combo guard, Holloway brought explosive athleticism, creative shot-making, and an innate feel for the game. Though still raw in some areas, Holloway’s upside is arguably the highest of any Wildcat entering the draft. His performance in individual drills and scrimmages at the combine will be pivotal in determining whether teams view him as a high-risk, high-reward project or a top-10 pick with immediate impact potential.
The sheer number of Kentucky players invited to the combine is unprecedented, highlighting the strength of the program’s recruitment and player development system. It also underscores the trust NBA franchises continue to place in Kentucky’s ability to prepare players for the professional level. Over the years, former Wildcats like Anthony Davis, Devin Booker, De’Aaron Fox, and Bam Adebayo have transitioned seamlessly into NBA stardom, and this new crop of talent appears ready to follow in their footsteps.
The combine is not just about physical measurements and shooting drills; it’s a holistic evaluation of a player’s readiness for the next level. Interviews with team executives, psychological testing, and team-organized scrimmages all play critical roles in shaping a player’s draft narrative. For the Kentucky players, this is an opportunity to show that they are more than just athletes — they are professionals in the making.
NBA general managers and scouts often look at how players perform outside of the structured college environment, where the spacing, pace, and responsibilities mirror what they’ll experience in the NBA. Kentucky players have an advantage in that they’ve already played under high pressure, national scrutiny, and in a system that emphasizes accountability and versatility. The intense competition during the season, especially in the SEC, means these players have been battle-tested, and the combine is another stage where they can prove they belong among the elite.
Additionally, the camaraderie and chemistry among the Kentucky prospects could be a valuable asset during the combine. While each player is competing for their own draft position, the shared bond and familiarity could allow them to perform more freely and confidently in scrimmages. It’s a dynamic that might help them stand out from prospects who are adjusting to unfamiliar teammates or environments.
NBA franchises will be watching not only for raw talent but for how these young men conduct themselves off the court. Kentucky has made character a priority in their recruiting process, and many of the combine attendees have already shown leadership qualities, community involvement, and resilience in the face of adversity. This could further enhance their appeal to teams looking to build sustainable rosters with players who represent their organizations well both on and off the court.
The road to the NBA is challenging, but for these Wildcats, it’s a culmination of years of hard work, discipline, and belief in their abilities. While the combine will inevitably separate prospects based on performance and potential, one thing is certain — Kentucky has once again proven itself as a premier pipeline for NBA talent. The 2025 NBA Draft will undoubtedly feature multiple Wildcats hearing their names called, continuing a legacy that few programs can rival.
As the basketball world turns its attention to the combine, fans of Kentucky have much to be proud of. These players represent more than just a school or a team; they embody a tradition of excellence, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. Whether they become All-Stars, role players, or international legends, their journey began in Lexington, where the foundation of their professional dreams was laid.
The 2025 NBA Draft Combine will serve as the ultimate proving ground for these talented young men. Under the bright lights and watchful eyes of NBA decision-makers, they will compete, measure, and demonstrate everything they’ve learned — not just about basketball, but about leadership, teamwork, and determination. And no matter where they end up, one thing is clear: they will always be Wildcats.
