The upper echelon of college basketball is drafted into the pro leagues
Young bidding players enrolling at the University of Kentucky have been gifted with an excellent program renowned for ushering top talents into the NBA.
Not only do the Wildcats boast an eye-watering NCAA win/loss record, but they also own the largest number of alums who’ve reached the NBA. The 2022-23 figures witnessed 28 Wildcat players move to NBA teams, and some of the league’s most noteworthy players, including Anthony Davis and Devin Booker, have become superstars in the sport since their stint in Kentucky.
Regarding overall NBA draft selections, no other college team can match the Kentucky Wildcats, and they have the record for most first-overall picks in Davis, John Wall, and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Today we’re celebrating the top five Wildcat players in the NBA.
Devin Booker
Booker displayed exceptional skills in scoring during college, achieving impressive season-high scores. Throughout the 38 games he played with the Wildcats, he maintained an average of 21.5 minutes per game. In 2015, he declared his decision to enter the NBA draft and was subsequently chosen as the 13th overall pick in the first round by the Phoenix Suns.
Since then, the 26-year-old has achieved notable accomplishments in his NBA career. He was honored with a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team, emerged victorious in the NBA Three-Point Contest, and earned the distinction of being named an NBA All-Star on three occasions.
Booker is a player worth paying attention to when betting on individual performances. Aged just 26, he’s already broken multiple records and led his team through the playoffs.
While an NBA championship has alluded his career thus far, considering Kentucky betting promo codes is always a factor for handicappers when making pre-season NBA finalist wagers.
Anthony Davis
Davis achieved numerous accolades during his sole year of collegiate basketball with the Wildcats. He guided the team to an NCAA championship, earning acclaim as the tournament’s most exceptional player. Additionally, he topped the NCAA in blocks. Therefore, it is no surprise that the New Orleans Hornets chose him as the first overall pick in the 2012 draft.
Equally impressive is Davis’ tenure in the NBA. He has been selected as an NBA All-Star on eight occasions, led the league in blocks three times, and received recognition as a member of the NBA 75th anniversary team.
Karl Anthony Towns
Towns spent one year with the Wildcats, focusing on kinesiology. Following his departure from the UK to pursue a career in the NBA, he decided to continue his education through online courses to eventually complete his degree.
Towns has quickly established himself as a standout player since being selected as the top pick in the 2015 draft by the Timberwolves. He earned the title of NBA Rookie of the Year in 2016 and has been selected to the NBA All-Star team three times. Additionally, he achieved victory in the 2022 NBA three-point contest.
John Wall
Wall established his presence in Kentucky by breaking the record for the highest number of assists in a single game, totalling 16. As a result of his incredible accomplishments, he was honored with induction into the University of Kentucky Athletics Hall of Fame.
Following his selection as the top pick in the 2010 draft by the Washington Wizards, Wall earned a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2011. Additionally, he has been selected as an NBA All-Star on five occasions.
DeMarcus Cousins
When they were teammates at Kentucky, Cousins, and Wall formed a formidable duo. Under their leadership, the Wildcats advanced to the Elite Eight of the 2010 NCAA Tournament. Following his first year at UK, Cousins joined the 2010 NBA draft, ultimately being selected as the fifth overall pick by the Sacramento Kings in the first round.
Now at 32 years old, Cousins has been honored with four NBA All-Star selections and was recognized as part of the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2011.
While he’s no longer a part of the NBA, Cousins continues to play basketball in the BSN League of Puerto Rico.
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