The University of Kentucky men’s basketball program, led by head coach John Calipari, remains one of the most storied and successful in college basketball history. Known for its perennial dominance in recruiting top-tier talent, Kentucky continually fields teams with some of the best young prospects in the nation, many of whom are destined for NBA careers. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the current Kentucky basketball roster and assess who might have an NBA future, based on their skills, potential, and trajectory.
### Kentucky Basketball Roster Overview
The 2024-2025 Kentucky Wildcats roster is loaded with talent, as usual. Calipari’s recruiting prowess ensures that each season, Kentucky has a mix of returning players, highly touted freshmen, and transfers. This year is no different, with an infusion of high-level prospects coupled with a few experienced veterans who could have a major impact on the team.
Some key returners, such as senior forward Antonio Reeves and junior guard CJ Fredrick, bring valuable experience, while the freshmen class includes several five-star recruits that should instantly make an impact. Additionally, some standout transfers could provide the necessary depth to make a deep run in March Madness.
Let’s break down the roster by position and discuss the potential NBA futures of these players.
### Guards
#### 1. **Cason Wallace (PG)**
**Class**: Freshman
**NBA Potential**: High
Cason Wallace, a five-star recruit, arrives at Kentucky with a reputation as one of the best point guard prospects in the country. At 6’4″, Wallace has ideal size for the position and the skill set to match. Known for his elite defense, high basketball IQ, and ability to distribute the ball, he also has the offensive game to make a significant impact. With his combination of athleticism, passing, and leadership, Wallace is one of the best players in the 2024 class and has NBA potential written all over him. If he can improve his consistency shooting the ball, he could be a lottery pick in the NBA Draft.
#### 2. **CJ Fredrick (SG)**
**Class**: Senior
**NBA Potential**: Moderate
CJ Fredrick, who transferred to Kentucky from Iowa, is a senior guard known for his sharpshooting ability. Standing at 6’3″, Fredrick is an elite three-point shooter and can stretch defenses. However, his NBA prospects are somewhat limited by his lack of defensive prowess and athleticism. Fredrick’s primary role for Kentucky will be as a floor spacer and a reliable shooter, and while he has the potential to play in the NBA as a specialist, it’s more likely he will find a home in a European league or as a two-way player in the NBA G-League.
#### 3. **Antonio Reeves (SG/SF)**
**Class**: Senior
**NBA Potential**: High
Antonio Reeves is one of Kentucky’s most versatile scoring threats. At 6’6″, he brings a combo guard mentality with the ability to play both on and off the ball. His ability to score in a variety of ways, including his deadly shooting from beyond the arc, makes him a potential NBA prospect. Reeves’ athleticism and size give him the opportunity to play in a number of roles at the next level, though his defense and consistency will be key factors in determining his NBA future. With a strong season, Reeves could be a late first-round or early second-round pick.
### Forwards
#### 1. **Chris Livingston (SF)**
**Class**: Freshman
**NBA Potential**: Very High
Chris Livingston is a highly-touted five-star recruit who brings a lot of excitement to the Kentucky program. Standing at 6’6″ and possessing elite athleticism, Livingston is a versatile forward who can defend multiple positions and contribute on offense as well. His all-around game is very appealing to NBA scouts, and while he may need to develop his shooting, Livingston has the raw potential to be a first-round NBA pick. His transition defense, rebounding, and ability to get out in transition will help him make an immediate impact at Kentucky, and if he performs well this season, he could be one of the top prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft.
#### 2. **Jacob Toppin (PF)**
**Class**: Senior
**NBA Potential**: Moderate
Jacob Toppin, the younger brother of NBA player Obi Toppin, brings energy and athleticism to the Kentucky frontcourt. At 6’9″, Toppin has the size and versatility to play both forward positions. He’s a strong defender and rebounder, but his offensive game still has room to grow. His NBA future will largely depend on how much he can develop his perimeter shooting and whether he can improve his offensive consistency. Toppin has the physical tools to be a solid two-way player in the NBA, but it may take time for him to crack a roster.
#### 3. **DJ Wagner (PG/SG)**
**Class**: Freshman
**NBA Potential**: Very High
DJ Wagner, a five-star recruit, is one of the top players in the 2024 class and has been widely regarded as a potential future NBA star. Standing at 6’3″, Wagner has elite ball-handling skills, a smooth scoring game, and a deep understanding of the game. His ability to create his own shot and make plays for others makes him an intriguing prospect. Wagner has the tools to be a lottery pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and his play at Kentucky this season will determine just how high he can go. With his skill set, it’s likely that Wagner will be one of the most talked-about players of the 2025 NBA Draft.
### Centers
#### 1. **Aaron Bradshaw (C)**
**Class**: Freshman
**NBA Potential**: High
Aaron Bradshaw, a 7-footer, is one of the top centers in the 2024 recruiting class and brings elite rim protection and rebounding to the table. Bradshaw’s size and shot-blocking ability immediately draw comparisons to NBA-level big men, but his offensive game will need some polishing. If he can develop a reliable post game and mid-range shot, Bradshaw could have a very bright future in the NBA. His ability to anchor a defense and protect the rim will give him a chance to play at the next level, though his offensive development will be crucial in determining his draft stock.
#### 2. **Ugonna Onyenso (C)**
**Class**: Sophomore
**NBA Potential**: Moderate to High
Ugonna Onyenso is another intriguing big man with potential for the NBA. A 7-foot sophomore, Onyenso showed flashes of his defensive prowess last season, particularly as a shot-blocker and rebounder. His offensive game still has a long way to go, and much of his NBA potential depends on his ability to improve offensively. Onyenso has the tools to become an elite rim protector in the NBA, but his overall game development will be key in determining how high his draft stock rises.
### Conclusion
As is always the case with Kentucky, the Wildcats have a roster filled with potential future NBA players. From the high-flying forwards like Chris Livingston to versatile guards such as Cason Wallace and DJ Wagner, this Kentucky team is loaded with top-tier talent. While some players, like Antonio Reeves and CJ Fredrick, may face an uphill battle to make the NBA, others like Wallace, Livingston, and Bradshaw could be first-round picks in the near future.
The 2024-2025 season will be a crucial one for these players, as they work to showcase their skills on the national stage and prove their worth to NBA scouts. As always, Kentucky fans will be watching closely to see who emerges as the next Wildcats star to make it to the NBA, continuing the tradition of Kentucky basketball’s impact on the professional ranks.