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Men's Basketball

National Media Believes in Kentucky Following Champions Classic

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Kentucky Wildcats guard Antonio Reeves (12) reacts after scoring against the Kansas Jayhawks.
© David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

In years past, a Kentucky loss would practically mean the end of the world for it. “Calipari sucks”, “this team is overrated”, you name it. In fairness, the program has deserved some criticism as of late, and the national media has been quick to harp on the ‘Cats. However, after coming just short to No. 1 Kansas on Tuesday night, there were only encouraging things to say about UK. Here are just a few examples of the national praise that Kentucky is receiving.

ESPN Commentator Dick Vitale

Of course, who else would there be to be high on Kentucky basketball? Dickie V was very excited about the outlook of Kentucky basketball, especially when they get a seven footer or two back on the roster. Actually, he may have been concerned for the rest of college basketball. You can decide that for yourself.

At the end of his post, Vitale says “All I can say for Cats opponents when they get their 3 bigs simply will = OUCH!” His grammar wasn’t perfect there, but you get the point. This Kentucky team can be special when they get their big men back.

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The Field of 68 College Basketball Podcast

The Field of 68 podcast has been questioned for their takes over the years, especially for their takes regarding Kentucky. The podcast is hosted by FOX broadcaster and writer John Fanta. He hosts the show alongside former UNC star Tyler Hansbrough and former college basketball coach Chris Mack. Yes, “0-and-forever” Chris Mack.

Hansbrough said he thinks Kentucky is “a top 50 team”. This sounds like a shot at UK, but Hansbrough mentions that Kentucky “will improve” and can “compete with anybody”. Fanta, who has been critical of Kentucky in the past, was shocked at Hansbrough’s take. Mack said he “believes in this Kentucky team”. He also mentioned that they are “easily a top 20 team” who will get better as the team gets healthy.

DraftKings Sportsbook & Casino

While DraftKings is not a member of the national media, they are betting company that makes their odds based on what they think teams can do. With money (and potentially a lot of it) on the line, it’s safe to say that these DraftKings rankings are no joke.

Following Kentucky’s loss to Kansas, DraftKings actually made Kentucky co-favorites to win it all this year. Yes, you read that right. After Kentucky lost, they became the favorites (alongside Kansas) to win the national championship. Here are the best odds on DraftKings:

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  • Kentucky: +1000
  • Kansas: +1000
  • Purdue: +1100
  • Duke: +1300
  • Arizona: +1600
  • UConn: +1600
  • Houston: +2000
  • Tennessee: +2000

Finally, Kentucky is receiving the national praise that many anticipated they would. Who would have known that Kentucky would be viewed so strongly after losing for the fourth consecutive time during the Champions Classic? Well, I guess that’s what happens when you nearly dethrone the nation’s top team with several key players not in action.

Men's Basketball

Amari Williams Picked 46th by the Boston Celtics in the 2025 NBA Draft

Amari Williams is the second Kentucky player selected in the 2025 NBA Draft, as Boston takes the big man with their second round pick.

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Amari Williams is drafted by the Boston Celtics.
Wesley Hale | Imagn Images

Fan-favorite big man (and official Weetabix sponsor) Amari Williams has officially made it to the big leagues, taken by the Boston Celtics with the 46th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, via a trade with the Orlando Magic.

The selection makes Williams the second Wildcat to be scooped up from this year’s pool, following Koby Brea being picked by the Phoenix Suns just five picks earlier at the 41st spot. From Mark Pope’s first Kentucky team, two transfer athletes (thus far) in their last year of eligibility have achieved next-level dreams by way of the blue and white.

Williams, who averaged 11 points, nine rebounds, and three assists per game during his lone season in Lexington, will look to aid Boston in filling their recently vacant five-spot, left by the recently traded Kristaps Porzingis.

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As Wildcat fans surely know, not only can Williams battle with the best of them in the paint, but he can run the floor as efficiently as just about any guard, too. His versatility and sizable frame ensure a high ceiling in the NBA and, despite not every draft board seeing him selected, the league champions two years removed made the call when it mattered.

Hailing overseas from Nottingham, England, and spending his first four years of college basketball at the University of Drexel, Williams’ success is a testament not only to Kentucky Basketball’s immaculate tradition, but to his own incredible work ethic and intangible ability.

Cats fans will be sure to follow and support their point-center to the next level, as they always do. Go be great, Amari – all of BBN has your back.

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Men's Basketball

Koby Brea Selected to the Phoenix Suns With the No. 41 Overall Pick in the 2025 NBA Draft

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Tristan Pharis | KY Insider

Koby Brea arrived at Kentucky last season as one of the nation’s deadliest shooters, lived up to the billing, and reaped his rewards on Thursday night at the NBA Draft. The former Kentucky star is heading to the Phoenix Suns with the No. 41 overall pick

As a 6-foot-7 wing, Brea entered the 2025 NBA Draft as one of the most experienced prospects after spending four years at Dayton and a fifth at Kentucky during Mark Pope’s successful first season as head coach, where he became one of the best three-point shooters in all of college basketball.

Last season at Kentucky, the Bronx native averaged 11.6 points and 3.2 rebounds per game while shooting 43.5% from beyond the arc on nearly six attempts per game in 36 games, 16 of which were starts, showcasing his scoring ability in transition, off the catch, and via handoffs and screens.

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Not only did Brea achieve his own dreams of playing at the next level, but becomes a piece of history for Pope, becoming the first player drafted out of Kentucky during the Pope era.

Brea joins a rebuilding franchise with a notorious background for drafting Kentucky guards. Eric Bledsoe rings the bell, Tyler Ulis of course, and the Suns’ all-time leading scorer, Devin Booker obviously leads the pack.

Go be great Fuego!

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Men's Basketball

How a Call with Mark Pope Led Denzel Aberdeen to Kentucky

After winning a national title at Florida, Denzel Aberdeen committed to Kentucky without ever visiting campus—thanks to a revealing three-hour call with head coach Mark Pope.

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Chet White | UK Athletics

As a junior, Denzel Aberdeen was a key part of Florida’s national title run. But a certain phone conversation convinced him to leave his home state and head north to Lexington in hopes of experiencing that feeling once again.

He had never set foot in Lexington before deciding to become a Kentucky Wildcat — and he didn’t need to. All it took was one phone call — three hours long, on Easter Sunday — with head coach Mark Pope to convince him that he belonged in blue and white.

“Our phone call lasted about three hours, to be honest,” Aberdeen said, meeting with the media in Lexington for the first time earlier this week. “A lot of it was just getting to know me and getting to know the school, the university, getting to know him (Pope), how their style was, a lot of film. Once I saw that, I was like this looks like a great guy to play for.”

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The two went on to discuss Aberdeen’s role at Kentucky in more depth, including how Pope envisions him fitting into Kentucky’s new system — a system that, according to Aberdeen, is very similar, if not better than the one he just left.

“We had a lot of great players at Florida, especially the tall bigs. Bigs that love to run there, and we have just as much here; our bigs love to run, they play defense, and they play at a fast pace. So I think the things that we’ve got here are just as good, or even better,” Aberdeen said.

Averaging 7.7 points and nearly 20 minutes per game off the bench for the Gators last year, it’s clear to see what Aberdeen brings to the team: experience, versatility, calmness in the backcourt, and championship pedigree. Pope’s phone conversation with Aberdeen wasn’t just impactful on the court — it also speaks volumes to what he is doing off the court in pursuit of the goal he laid out in his introductory press conference: to hang banners.

This phone call wasn’t just about Denzel Aberdeen. It was a glimpse into Pope’s player-first, transparent coaching approach, which could define his era at Kentucky — and potentially make this season a special one, with Aberdeen playing another key role in a deep NCAA Tournament run.

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“I know the goal is to win No. 9,” he said. “I know the fans want that, we want that, all the staff and coaches want that. That pushes us. We know what we gotta do when we come here and put on that Kentucky jersey. Just playing for the University of Kentucky is a big thing. Being here is a blessing, and I can’t look back.”

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