Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC Every week we bring you a list of the top former Wildcats players who continue their career in pro basketball.
Look at great performance of Trey Lyles (13 points), Karl-Anthony Towns (21 points), and De'Aaron Fox (18 points).
#1. Canadian Trey Lyles, a 6'9'' forward/center who graduated from Kentucky in 2015 and was part of the NBA Pro Summer League champion team that year, currently plays professionally in Spain. In a recent game, he showcased his skills by leading Real Madrid to a decisive victory against the eighth-ranked Tenerife, with a final score of 118-83 in the Spanish Liga Endesa. Lyles contributed significantly to the win by scoring 13 points, securing 5 rebounds, and providing 1 assist in just 22 minutes of play. Real Madrid, with a record of 26-8, sits comfortably atop the league standings. Lyles' impressive performance not only helped his team emerge victorious but also reinforced his reputation as a champion. This season, he has maintained solid statistics, averaging 11.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game.
#2. Dominican Republic native Karl-Anthony Towns, a versatile 7'0'' center/forward who is 30 years old, is a distinguished Wildcats alumni from the class of 2015. He received the All-SEC Freshman of the Year award during his collegiate career. Currently playing professionally in the NBA, he recently led the New York Knicks to a thrilling 105-104 victory over the formidable San Antonio Spurs (62-21) in a closely contested match on Friday night. Towns was named the MVP of the game for his exceptional performance, recording a double-double with 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 assists in 34 minutes of play. The New York Knicks, despite having a modest 54-29 record this season, have been on a winning streak, securing their fifth consecutive victory with Towns at the helm. His remarkable display of skill and leadership on the court earned him the prestigious Triple-Double Badge from eurobasket.com, highlighting his prowess as a champion in the game. Towns has been consistently delivering outstanding performances throughout the season, averaging 19.4 points per game, 11.6 rebounds (the second-best in the league), and 3.4 assists. It is noteworthy that Towns holds dual citizenship in both the United States and the Dominican Republic, allowing him to represent the latter as a domestic player if he chooses to do so. His exceptional talent and contributions to the game have solidified his status as a finalist, showcasing his unrivaled abilities as a true champion in the NBA.
#3. De'Aaron Fox, a 6'3'' guard who graduated from Kentucky in 2017 and received the All-SEC All-Tournament MVP award that year, currently excels as a professional NBA player. In a recent game, despite his commendable performance, he could not guide the San Antonio Spurs (62-21) to victory against the New York Knicks, with the Spurs narrowly losing 107-106 on the road. Fox showcased his skills by contributing 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists in 38 minutes of play during this match. Throughout the season, Fox has consistently displayed impressive individual performance, maintaining notable averages of 18.0 points per game, 3.8 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. Despite his strong contributions, the San Antonio Spurs were unable to secure a win in the game against the New York Knicks.
#4. Experienced champion Brandon Knight, a 6'3'' guard who is 34 years old and an alumnus of the Wildcats from 2011 when he helped them win the SEC Tournament that year, currently plays professionally in Puerto Rico. In a recent game last Wednesday, Knight, despite his very good performance, could not lead the Mets de Guaynabo (12-14) to a victory. The fourth-placed Guaynabo team was defeated 104-89 in Caguas by the second-ranked Criollos in Group B. Knight shined as the top scorer of the game with 21 points, along with contributing 6 rebounds and 5 assists over 36 minutes of play. His remarkable performance included scoring 21 points, grabbing 6 rebounds, and dishing out 5 assists against Caguas, showcasing his skills on the court. However, despite his exceptional individual effort, his team fell short of securing the win. Throughout the season, Knight has maintained impressive statistics, averaging 18.5 points per game, 3.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. His consistent high-level performance highlights his value as a key player for his team, even in challenging games like the recent matchup against Caguas.
#5. South Sudanese player Wenyen Gabriel, a 6'10'' center aged 29, who graduated from Kentucky in 2018 after helping them become SEC Tournament champions that year, is currently playing professionally in Germany. He recently contributed to FC Bayern Muenchen Basketball's impressive 77-57 victory over the closely-ranked Telekom Baskets (21-13) in the German easyCredit BBL. Despite scoring just 3 points and grabbing 5 rebounds in 15 minutes, Gabriel played a crucial role in the game between these top 4 teams. FC Bayern Muenchen Basketball, with a record of 29-5, currently leads the league standings, with Gabriel's team securing their ninth consecutive win. This marks Gabriel's first season with FC Bayern Muenchen Basketball, where he has been averaging 8.5 points per game and 4.5 rebounds per game. In a recent game against Bonn, Gabriel's performance, with 3 points and 5 rebounds, was instrumental in helping his team emerge as the champion.
#6. Archie Goodwin, a 31-year-old guard standing at 6'5'' and an alumnus of Wildcats from 2013, has been making waves in the Taiwanese P. League+. Recently, he led the Taipei Fubon Braves to a thrilling 97-95 victory over the league-leading Pilots, showcasing his skills and experience on the court. In this particular game, Goodwin put on a stellar performance, earning the well-deserved MVP title with an impressive stat line of 30 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 blocks in 45 minutes of play. His exceptional display of talent against the Pilots not only secured the victory but also highlighted his prowess as a champion player. Throughout the season, Goodwin has maintained remarkable statistics, leading the league with an average of 25.9 points per game, while also contributing 5.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, ranking among the league's best in multiple categories. His consistent performance and leadership qualities have undoubtedly played a crucial role in establishing him as a finalist in the league.
#7. Keldon Johnson, a 6'5'' forward/guard who graduated from Kentucky in 2019 and received the All-SEC Freshman of the Year award, currently showcases his talents in the NBA. He is a teammate of the aforementioned De'Aaron Fox, and during a recent game, Johnson played a pivotal role in a San Antonio Spurs' victory over the New York Knicks with a score of 115-111. In this game, he demonstrated his skills by scoring 7 points and grabbing 2 rebounds in just 17 minutes of play. His performance not only contributed to the team's win but also highlighted his capabilities as a finalist. Throughout the season, Johnson has maintained impressive individual statistics, averaging 12.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game, further solidifying his reputation as a champion on the court.
#8. Eloy Vargas, a former Wildcats alumnus from 2012 and standing tall at 6'11'', currently plays professionally in the Dominican Republic. Despite his notable contribution to the team as a finalist in the SEC Regular Season Champion that year, he was unable to assist the Heroes in their recent game last Sunday. The Heroes, who are currently in fifth place with a record of 10-11, suffered a defeat at home by the second-ranked Metros with a score of 92-86 in the Places 1-6 group. During the game, Vargas showcased a strong performance, achieving a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds, along with 3 assists and 2 blocks, all within 29 minutes of play. His remarkable effort against the Metros included scoring 18 points, securing 10 rebounds, and providing 3 assists. Despite his impressive individual performance, his team was unable to secure a victory. Throughout the season, Vargas has maintained solid statistics, averaging 10.2 points per game, 8.8 rebounds per game (ranking fourth best in the league), 2.6 assists per game, and 1.2 blocks per game (also ranking fourth best in the league).
#9. Canadian Mychal Mulder, a 6'4'' shooting guard at 31 years old, graduated from Kentucky in 2017 where he played a key role in helping them secure the SEC Regular Season Champion title that year. Currently playing professionally in Canada, Mulder showcased his skills in a recent match where his team secured a dominant victory over the Mamba with a final score of 105-85 in the Canadian Elite Basketball League on Saturday night. During the game, Mulder displayed his talent by contributing 14 points and securing 4 rebounds in just 26 minutes of play. His impressive performance continued in another match against Saskatchewan, where he once again scored 14 points and grabbed 4 rebounds, ultimately aiding his team in clinching the champion title. Throughout this season, Mulder has been maintaining an average of 9.8 points per game and 3.6 rebounds per game, solidifying his position as a key player in his team's lineup.
Other former University of Kentucky players, who play in pro basketball:
Brandon Boston Jr. (6'6''-G/F-2001, played in 2020-21) plays for Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul in Turkish BSL
Nathan Sestina (6'9''-PF-1997, played in 2019-20) plays for AX Armani Exchange Milano in Italian Serie A
Tre Mitchell (6'9''-F/C-2000, played in 2023-24) plays for JL Bourg en Bresse in French Betclic ELITE ProA
Derek Willis (6'9''-PF-1995, played in 2013-17) plays for Paris Basketball in French Betclic ELITE ProA
Davion Mintz (6'3''-G-1998, played in 2020-22) plays for FIT/One Wuerzburg Baskets in German BBL
Alexander Poythress (6'9''-C/F-1993, played in 2012-16) plays for Zenit in Russian VTB United League
Antonio Reeves (6'5''-G-2000, played in 2022-24) plays for Charlotte Hornets in the NBA
Isaiah Jackson (6'10''-PF-2002, played in 2020-21) plays for Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA
Jacob Toppin (6'9''-F-2000, played in 2020-23) plays for Atlanta Hawks in the NBA
Skal Labissiere (6'11''-F-1996, played in 2015-16) plays for Washington Wizards in the NBA
Jamal Murray (6'4''-SG-1997, played in 2015-16) plays for Denver Nuggets in the NBA
Olivier Sarr (6'11''-C-1999, played in 2020-23) plays for Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA
Jarred Vanderbilt (6'9''-F/C-1999, played in 2017-18) plays for Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA
Cason Wallace (6'4''-G-2003, played in 2022-23) plays for Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA
Bam Adebayo (6'10''-C-1997, played in 2016-17) plays for Miami Heat in the NBA
Tyler Herro (6'5''-SG-2000, played in 2018-19) plays for Miami Heat in the NBA
Immanuel Quickley (6'3''-PG-1999, played in 2018-20) plays for Toronto Raptors in the NBA
P.J. Washington (6'9''-PF-1998, played in 2017-19) plays for Dallas Mavericks in the NBA
TyTy Washington (6'4''-PG-2001, played in 2021-22) plays for Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA
Reed Sheppard (6'3''-G-2004, played in 2023-24) plays for Houston Rockets in the NBA
Malik Monk (6'3''-G-1998, played in 2016-17) plays for Sacramento Kings in the NBA
Kevin Knox II (6'7''-SF-1999, played in 2017-18) plays for Chicago Bulls in the NBA
Oscar Tshiebwe (6'8''-F-1999, played in 2021-23) plays for Utah Jazz in the NBA
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (6'6''-PG-1998, played in 2017-18) plays for Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA
Koby Brea (6'7''-G-2002, played in 2024-25) plays for Phoenix Suns in the NBA
Amari Williams (7'0''-F-2002, played in 2024-25) plays for Boston Celtics in the NBA
Devin Booker (6'6''-SG-1996, played in 2014-15) plays for Phoenix Suns in the NBA
Julius Randle (6'9''-F/C-1994, played in 2013-14) plays for Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA
Nick Richards (7'0''-C-1997, played in 2017-20) plays for Chicago Bulls in the NBA
Anthony Davis (6'10''-C-1993, played in 2011-12) plays for Washington Wizards in the NBA
Tyrese Maxey (6'4''-PG-2000, played in 2019-20) plays for Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA
Justin Edwards (6'8''-G-2003, played in 2023-24) plays for Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA
Rob Dillingham (6'1''-G-2005, played in 2023-24) plays for Chicago Bulls in the NBA
Kellan Grady (6'5''-G-1997, played in 2021-22) played for Orlen Zastal Zielona Gora in Polish OBL few monts ago
E.J. Montgomery (6'9''-C/F-1999, played in 2020-21) plays for MKS Dabrowa Gornicza in Polish OBL
Andrew Harrison (6'6''-G-1994, played in 2013-15) plays for SYNTAINICS MBC Weissenfels in German BBL
Isaiah Briscoe (6'3''-PG-1996, played in 2015-17) plays for Fujian Sturgeons in Chinese CBA
Isaac Humphries (7'1''-C-1998, played in 2014-17) plays for Adelaide 36ers in Australian NBL
Eric Bledsoe (6'1''-PG-1989, played in 2009-10) played for Shanghai Sharks in Chinese CBA last year
Dakari Johnson (7'0''-C/F-1995, played in 2013-15) plays for Zhejiang Golden Bulls in Chinese CBA
Tai Wynyard (6'10''-C/F-1998, played in 2016-18) played for New Zealand Breakers in Australian NBL last year
Aaron Harrison (6'6''-SF-1994, played in 2013-15) plays for Halcones de Ciudad Obregon in Mexican CIBACOPA
Ansley Almonor (6'7''-F-2002, played in 2024-25) plays for Vilpas in Finnish Korisliiga
Hamidou Diallo (6'6''-SF-1998, played in 2017-18) plays for Shanxi Loongs in Chinese CBA
Ashton Hagans (6'3''-PG-1999, played in 2018-20) played for Shanxi Loongs in Chinese CBA last year
Lamont Butler Jr. (6'2''-G-2002, played in 2024-25) plays for College Park SkyHawks in the NBA G League
Jaxson Robinson (6'6''-G-2002, played in 2025-25) plays for Cleveland Charge in the NBA G League
Josh Harrellson (6'10''-F-1989, played in 2008-11) signed for San-en NeoPhoenix in Japanese B1 League
James Young (6'6''-G/F-1995, played in 2013-22) played for Ipswich Force in Australian NBL One last year
Deandre Liggins (6'6''-F-1988, played in 2008-11) played for La Familia - Kentucky in the The Basketball Tournament last year
DeMarcus Cousins (6'11''-C-1990, played in 2009-10) plays for Selenge Bodons Sukhbaatar in Mongolian MBL
Reid Travis (6'8''-F-1995, played in 2018-19) played for Kaohsiung Aquas in Taiwanese TPBL last year
Willie Cauley-Stein (7'0''-C-1993, played in 2012-15) played for La Familia - Kentucky in the The Basketball Tournament last year
Andrew Carr (6'11''-F-2002, played in 2024-25) plays for Rip City Remix in the NBA G League
Kahlil Whitney (6'6''-G/F-2001, played in 2019-20) plays for Jiangsu in Chinese NBL
Doron Lamb (6'3''-G-1991, played in 2010-12) played for La Familia - Kentucky in the The Basketball Tournament last year
Chris Livingston (6'6''-F-2003, played in 2025-25) plays for Capital City Go-Go in the NBA G League
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of University of Kentucky basketball alumni.
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Ex-Players
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