“As the NBA playoffs tipped off, 14 former Kentucky Wildcats stood ready to chase basketball immortality, each hoping to carve their legacy into the league’s storied history.”

As the NBA playoffs tipped off, 14 former Kentucky Wildcats stood ready to chase basketball immortality, each hoping to carve their legacy into the league’s storied history. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, these former UK standouts are no strangers to high-stakes basketball—and their collective presence this postseason is a resounding testament to the program John Calipari built in Lexington.

From the hardwood at Rupp Arena to the brightest lights of the NBA, the Wildcats’ influence is once again being felt across the playoff bracket. They’re not just participants—they’re leaders, scorers, defenders, and game-changers. Let’s take a deep dive into each player’s role, their journey from Kentucky to the postseason, and how their presence could shape the road to the 2025 NBA championship.

Devin Booker continues to be one of the most lethal scorers in the league. Averaging 27.4 points per game during the regular season, Booker has been the offensive engine for the Suns, pairing his smooth mid-range game with the ability to explode from beyond the arc. With Kevin Durant by his side and Bradley Beal finally healthy, Phoenix is banking on its star trio—and Booker’s playoff pedigree—to break through the Western Conference gauntlet.

Booker, who helped lead Kentucky to a 38–1 record in 2015, has grown from a bench sharpshooter into one of the NBA’s most complete shooting guards. Now, he’s no longer just chasing points—he’s chasing a ring.

A decade into his professional career, Anthony Davis remains one of the league’s most dominant big men. When healthy, Davis is a game-wrecker on both ends, pairing elite rim protection with a smooth offensive arsenal.

After helping lead the Lakers to the 2020 title, Davis is hungry for another. The Lakers entered the playoffs as a lower seed, but with LeBron James and a focused AD, no one is counting them out. Davis, the 2012 NCAA Champion and Naismith Player of the Year at Kentucky, is once again embracing his role as the defensive anchor and offensive x-factor.

When the postseason lights shine brightest, Jamal Murray becomes a different player. Nicknamed “Playoff Murray” for good reason, the former Wildcat point guard has repeatedly elevated his game in the playoffs, none more famously than during the Nuggets’ 2023 title run.

Now, with Nikola Jokić operating as the team’s nucleus, Murray’s ability to create off the dribble and hit clutch shots gives Denver a legitimate chance to repeat. His time under Calipari, where he averaged 20 points per game in his lone college season, prepared him well for moments like these.

Bam Adebayo is the heart of Miami’s identity. Tough, gritty, and defensively versatile, Adebayo’s impact goes far beyond the stat sheet. With the Heat once again defying expectations and sneaking into the playoffs via the Play-In, Adebayo is tasked with anchoring a defense that thrives on intensity and effort.

As Jimmy Butler’s right-hand man, Adebayo continues to grow into his leadership role. His development from a raw athlete at Kentucky into a polished All-Star is one of the NBA’s most impressive arcs.

Arguably the biggest breakout star of the 2024–25 season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) enters the playoffs as a legitimate MVP contender. Averaging over 30 points per game while leading the young, talented Thunder to a top seed in the West, SGA has emerged as a transcendent two-way guard.

His calm demeanor, change-of-pace dribble, and elite footwork make him nearly unguardable. Kentucky fans remember SGA’s rise from bench player to team leader in just one season. That same trajectory is now unfolding on the NBA’s biggest stage, only this time, the stakes are higher.

With Joel Embiid battling injuries, Tyrese Maxey has become the Sixers’ go-to offensive threat. The former Wildcat has blossomed into a dynamic scorer and fearless shot-maker. His infectious energy, speed, and creativity have made him a fan favorite in Philadelphia and a nightmare for opposing defenses.

Maxey’s rise in the league is symbolic of Calipari’s player-first system—where talents are nurtured, and roles are maximized. As the Sixers attempt a deep playoff push, Maxey will need to shoulder an even larger load.

Though currently nursing a shoulder injury, Julius Randle’s impact on the Knicks’ regular-season success was undeniable. When healthy, Randle is a walking double-double who brings physicality, rebounding, and scoring versatility to the court.

A former SEC Player of the Year at Kentucky, Randle has thrived in the pressure cooker of Madison Square Garden. His potential return in the later rounds could give New York the firepower it needs to push for an Eastern Conference crown.

Malik Monk’s scoring burst off the bench has become one of Sacramento’s biggest weapons. Despite being sidelined to start the playoffs, Monk’s sixth-man prowess—highlighted by his 20-point-per-game average—was crucial in helping the Kings secure a playoff berth.

At Kentucky, Monk was known for his scoring explosions and flair. That same energy has translated seamlessly to the NBA, and his return could tilt a close series in Sacramento’s favor.

Though not in the playoffs this season, Keldon Johnson deserves a mention as one of Kentucky’s emerging NBA players. His leadership and production for a rebuilding Spurs team highlight how many Wildcats continue to shine—even outside the playoff spotlight.

Nick Richards has made the most of his opportunity in Charlotte, turning himself into a reliable interior presence. Though the Hornets didn’t make the playoffs, Richards’ development is a reminder that Kentucky’s influence reaches beyond the top of the bracket.

Quickley, recently traded to the Raptors, also missed the postseason. But his breakout as a starting point guard in Toronto hints at a bright future. Expect him to be part of future playoff conversations.

What makes Kentucky’s NBA success so remarkable isn’t just the volume of players in the league—it’s the quality. These are not benchwarmers or afterthoughts. These are All-Stars, MVP candidates, and foundational pieces for championship contenders.

John Calipari has long touted the program as a “basketball factory,” and each postseason offers further proof. His “players-first” approach may draw criticism in some corners of the college basketball world, but there’s no denying its results: no school sends more talent to the league, and few produce pros ready to shine under playoff pressure.

This postseason could offer several all-Kentucky matchups. If the Lakers and Nuggets meet, it would be Anthony Davis vs. Jamal Murray. A Suns vs. Thunder matchup could pit Booker against SGA—a clash of superstar shooting guards with vastly different styles.

These moments don’t just entertain fans—they tell a story of a program that has mastered the art of preparing players for the NBA. And for the players, the pride of repping Kentucky goes deeper than rivalries. There’s a brotherhood, a shared history, and a legacy to uphold.

As the playoff intensity ramps up, so too will the spotlight on these former Wildcats. Each one carries with him a piece of Big Blue Nation’s pride, and each hopes to raise the Larry O’Brien Trophy—not just for themselves, but for the journey that began in Lexington.

Whether it’s Booker’s pursuit of his first ring, Davis trying to add to his legacy, or SGA looking to vault into superstardom, the road to the 2025 NBA championship will be paved, in large part, by Wildcats.

In a league brimming with international talent, rising stars, and legendary veterans, Kentucky’s fingerprint remains undeniable. And as fans across the nation tune in to watch the game’s best battle for glory, they’ll also be witnessing the continued evolution of college basketball’s most prolific NBA pipeline.