The Kentucky Wildcats’ rich basketball lineage added another chapter of success this week, as three standouts — Antonio Reeves-Butler, Adou Thiero-Robinson, and Justin Carr — officially signed professional contracts, marking a pivotal step in their basketball journeys. The trio, each with their unique skill sets and stories, now carry the weight of Big Blue Nation’s pride into the NBA.
Their ascent to the professional ranks reaffirms the University of Kentucky’s standing as not just a college basketball powerhouse, but a true factory for NBA-ready talent. For Big Blue fans, this is more than just a moment of celebration — it’s a vindication of tradition, development, and the enduring appeal of wearing the blue and white.
The Headliner: Antonio Reeves-Butler Signs with Miami Heat
Antonio Reeves, who added “Butler” to honor his mother’s maiden name this offseason, headlines the trio with a deal that sees him join the Miami Heat on a two-year partially guaranteed contract. Undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft, Reeves-Butler quickly became a hot commodity among Summer League scouts after putting on a show at the Portsmouth Invitational and later at the G League Elite Camp.
The 6-foot-6 guard was Kentucky’s leading scorer during the 2024-25 season, averaging 19.8 points per game while shooting 41% from beyond the arc. His deep shooting range, midrange polish, and savvy off-the-ball movement made him a nightmare for SEC defenses.
Now, with a chance to develop under Erik Spoelstra and the Miami system — known for turning overlooked players into contributors — Reeves-Butler could become the Heat’s next hidden gem.
“This is what I’ve been working my whole life for,” said Reeves-Butler in a Zoom interview after signing. “Kentucky prepared me for this. The competition, the pressure, the spotlight — I wouldn’t change it for anything.”
Adou Thiero-Robinson Inks Deal with Golden State Warriors
While Reeves brought the flash, Adou Thiero, now going by Thiero-Robinson to honor his late grandfather, carved out his NBA path with relentless grit and elite athleticism. The Golden State Warriors have reportedly signed the 6-foot-8 forward to a two-way contract, giving him a dual role between the Warriors and their G League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors.
Thiero-Robinson’s story is one of perseverance. A late bloomer with limited high school exposure, he blossomed at Kentucky as a do-it-all defensive ace. In his junior year, he averaged 8.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 1.2 blocks in just under 26 minutes per game — numbers that don’t fully capture his on-court impact.
He was often tasked with guarding the opposing team’s best player, regardless of position, and was a vocal leader in the locker room. NBA scouts took note, especially impressed by his lateral quickness, 7-foot wingspan, and ability to switch 1 through 4.
“Adou was the heart of our defense,” said Kentucky head coach Mark Pope. “What the Warriors are getting is someone who will make the right play, every possession, and do the dirty work that doesn’t show up on the stat sheet.”
Thiero-Robinson’s presence in Golden State adds another versatile wing to an aging core seeking athleticism and defense on the perimeter. If he can develop a more consistent outside shot, there’s little doubt he could earn a full NBA roster spot by the end of the 2025-26 season.
The Surprise Success: Justin Carr Signs Exhibit 10 Deal with Denver Nuggets
The biggest surprise of the group may be Justin Carr, a former walk-on who turned into a legitimate role player during his final season at Kentucky. After a strong showing in pre-draft workouts and solid analytics from Kentucky’s bench-heavy lineups, the Denver Nuggets offered him an Exhibit 10 contract, giving him a chance to compete for a G League roster spot with the potential of earning a standard contract.
Carr, known for his high IQ and feel for the game, played limited minutes but maximized every opportunity. The 6-foot-4 guard shot 45% from three-point range and made clutch plays in multiple SEC games down the stretch.
While his path may seem like a long shot, the Nuggets are no strangers to uncovering talent in unexpected places. Denver’s player development staff was reportedly intrigued by Carr’s combination of maturity, shooting, and unselfish play — qualities that mirror the Nuggets’ team-first culture.
“He might be the least-heralded of the three, but Justin’s story is the most inspiring,” said a Western Conference scout. “You’re talking about a guy who had to earn everything. Players like that don’t take this opportunity for granted.”
Legacy of the Trio: Elevating the Kentucky Brand
Together, the signings of Reeves-Butler, Thiero-Robinson, and Carr mark a unique moment for Kentucky basketball. Unlike past years dominated by one-and-done lottery picks, this trio represents a different blueprint — development, persistence, and role specialization.
Their journeys highlight the multi-faceted nature of Kentucky’s player pipeline. Yes, UK has produced All-Stars and top-five picks like Anthony Davis, John Wall, and Devin Booker. But the program also creates solid NBA contributors who rise through less conventional paths.
“It’s a testament to the culture we’re building,” said Coach Pope. “This isn’t just about getting you to the NBA. It’s about getting you ready for the NBA — mentally, physically, and emotionally.”
For fans of the Wildcats, these signings provide a new kind of pride. It’s not just about draft night glitz anymore. It’s about guys who came in, put in the work, and earned every ounce of their success.
What This Means for Kentucky’s Recruiting Message
Recruits often measure programs by their ability to send players to the pros. Kentucky, already elite in this regard, now has a new narrative to pitch:
- Stay multiple years, and you’ll develop.
- Play your role, and NBA teams will notice.
- Even undrafted players can thrive if they come from Kentucky.
In a college basketball landscape now shaped by NIL, the transfer portal, and increased player mobility, having proof of concept for player development over multiple seasons is critical. Pope and his staff can use these three players as clear case studies in what Kentucky can do beyond the one-and-done model.
Looking Ahead: Summer League and Beyond
All three players are expected to suit up for their respective Summer League teams this July:
- Reeves-Butler is set to join the Miami Heat in the California Classic and Las Vegas Summer League.
- Thiero-Robinson will feature for the Golden State Warriors starting July 12.
- Carr is expected to play for the Denver Nuggets’ G League Summer Squad and could make his official debut in mid-July.
These games will be their first taste of NBA competition, a proving ground that could shape their careers. For Kentucky fans, it offers a summer storyline worth following — not just for nostalgia, but for genuine intrigue.
Final Thoughts: Another Testament to the Bluegrass Brotherhood
As Antonio Reeves-Butler, Adou Thiero-Robinson, and Justin Carr begin their professional journeys, they carry with them not just the Kentucky name but the values it stands for: hard work, humility, sacrifice, and a relentless pursuit of greatness.
Their success isn’t just a win for them. It’s a win for every Kentucky teammate who battled with them in Rupp Arena, every coach who mentored them, and every fan who stayed until the final buzzer.
This moment is proof: whether you’re a five-star phenom or a walk-on with a dream — at Kentucky, if you grind, the path to the pros is real.
Big Blue Nation will be watching. And cheering.
UP NEXT FOR BBN:
- Will Rob Dillingham and Reed Sheppard join the All-Rookie conversation?
- Is Mark Pope crafting a modern Kentucky dynasty through development-first coaching?
- Who’s the next Carr or Thiero-Robinson in the 2025-26 roster?
Stay tuned. Kentucky isn’t just back — it’s evolving.
