For the first time since 2009, the University of Kentucky men’s basketball program is expected to have no players selected in the first round of the upcoming NBA draft. Of the six players from coach Mark Pope’s first UK team eligible for the draft, none are projected as first-round picks.
The top prospects, wing Koby Brea and center Amari Williams, are both forecasted to go in the second round. Other eligible players—Ansley Almonor, Lamont Butler, Andrew Carr, and Jaxson Robinson—are not expected to be drafted but may earn spots through NBA Summer League.
The draft will take place over two days at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, with the first round on Wednesday and the second round on Thursday. If predictions hold, this will mark the end of Kentucky’s 16-year streak of having at least one first-round pick, a run that began under former coach John Calipari.
During Calipari’s 15 seasons (2009–2024), Kentucky produced 37 first-round picks, including three No. 1 overall selections. In total, Kentucky boasts 60 first-round NBA draft selections in its history, dating back to Alex Groza in 1949.
Mark Pope had not produced any NBA draft picks during his nine years coaching at Utah Valley and BYU, but this year’s draft is expected to change that, with Brea and Williams likely being selected.
Another player with Kentucky ties, Adou Thiero—who played two seasons at UK before transferring to Arkansas—is also expected to be drafted, likely in the second round.
Although the first-round streak appears to be ending, Kentucky will maintain its record of having at least one player selected in every NBA draft since 2008, totaling 18 consecutive years—an NCAA record.
It’s important to note that NBA draft picks do not always translate directly to college success. For example, Calipari’s final three UK teams produced seven NBA draft picks (five in the first round), yet only managed one NCAA Tournament win over those three years. Conversely, Pope’s first UK team, without a projected first-rounder, reached the Sweet 16.
