The NBA Draft is the moment when dreams are realized and futures are forged—but for some, it’s also the beginning of a different kind of journey. For four former Kentucky Wildcats who went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft, the story isn’t over. In fact, for many of these talented athletes, it’s just getting started. While their names weren’t called on draft night, the door to professional basketball remains wide open, with opportunities ranging from NBA Summer League rosters to international contracts and G-League deals. And as Kentucky fans know, the journey of a Wildcat doesn’t end at the draft—it evolves.
These four players, all standouts in their own right during their time in Lexington, now face the challenge of proving themselves to scouts, general managers, and organizations looking for under-the-radar talent. Each one has a unique skill set, a different story, and a fire that was only stoked by the disappointment of going undrafted. As they move forward, they’ll carry the pride of Big Blue Nation with them—and the knowledge that Kentucky alumni have beaten these odds before.
For decades, the University of Kentucky has served as one of the premier pipelines to the NBA. From Anthony Davis and Devin Booker to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Bam Adebayo, Kentucky has produced elite-level pros who’ve flourished on basketball’s biggest stage. But not every path is direct. Some former Wildcats, like Reid Travis, Alex Poythress, and Aaron Harrison, took longer roads—some through the G League, others through Europe or Asia—and still managed to carve out professional careers. The four undrafted players from 2025 now enter that same uncertain, gritty, but hopeful space.
One of those players is Jaylen Wells, the 6’8” forward who transferred into Kentucky and made an immediate impact with his high motor, defensive versatility, and rebounding tenacity. Though not the flashiest name in the draft pool, Wells was known for doing the little things—diving for loose balls, defending multiple positions, and hustling on every possession. Scouts praised his IQ and intangibles, but concerns about his outside shot and offensive ceiling may have cost him a spot on draft night. Still, several NBA teams have reportedly shown interest in bringing Wells onto their Summer League rosters, believing he could earn a two-way contract with strong showings in Las Vegas.
Another player navigating the post-draft waters is Kareem Watkins, a guard whose role on the team was more complementary but no less important. A fierce defender and reliable backup, Watkins earned respect in the locker room for his work ethic and leadership. While his offensive game is still developing, his quickness and defensive instincts could earn him a training camp invite. European scouts have already reached out to his representation, with interest from teams in Spain and Italy. For Watkins, going overseas might not just be a Plan B—it could be a fast track to gaining experience, expanding his game, and returning to the U.S. as a more seasoned pro.
Then there’s Trevon Brazile, the athletic big man who transferred from Arkansas and brought rim protection, shot-blocking, and lob-finishing ability to the Wildcats. His draft stock was once much higher before an injury cut short his momentum. While his performance at Kentucky showed flashes of NBA potential, concerns about his health and shooting consistency lingered. Now healthy and determined, Brazile is drawing serious interest from G-League affiliates, particularly those with strong development programs. A Summer League contract is all but certain for Brazile, and if he can demonstrate improved mobility and shooting touch, he could work his way into a two-way or Exhibit 10 deal before training camps open.
The fourth player, Adou Thiero, has perhaps the most intriguing trajectory. The 6’6” wing was a jack-of-all-trades at Kentucky, capable of guarding multiple positions, pushing the pace in transition, and showing flashes of offensive brilliance in key moments. He was considered a sleeper pick by many analysts leading up to the draft, but ultimately fell short of hearing his name called. Still, Thiero’s combination of athleticism, instincts, and untapped upside makes him a prime candidate for NBA development programs. He’s expected to join an NBA Summer League team and may also entertain offers from top-tier European leagues. His path could mirror that of former Wildcat PJ Washington, who took time to mature before becoming an impact player.
For all four of these players, the next few weeks will be critical. NBA Summer League invitations are the most immediate focus, offering a chance to showcase their talents in front of coaches, scouts, and executives from every franchise. Standout performances in Las Vegas can be game-changers—just ask former undrafted players like Fred VanVleet and Duncan Robinson, who turned Summer League opportunities into multimillion-dollar careers.
Meanwhile, agents and representatives are working around the clock to find the best fit for each player. Sometimes that means securing a two-way contract, which allows players to split time between the NBA and the G League while earning a significantly higher salary than a standard G-League deal. Other times, going overseas can be the smartest choice—providing competitive playing time, financial stability, and the opportunity to build a resume that earns a second look from the NBA down the road.
There’s also the mental aspect of going undrafted—processing the disappointment and turning it into motivation. For players like Wells, Watkins, Brazile, and Thiero, their collegiate careers at Kentucky already hardened them for the pressure of the next level. Playing in front of 20,000+ fans at Rupp Arena, under the spotlight of national TV games and with expectations of championships every season, is as close as college basketball gets to the pros. That experience, coupled with their individual growth and resilience, gives them an edge as they prepare to chase their dreams outside of the traditional draft system.
And let’s not forget the support system that comes with being a Kentucky Wildcat. The program’s coaching staff, alumni network, and brand power extend far beyond Lexington. Players like Tyler Ulis and Andrew Harrison, who also faced uphill battles post-draft, have stayed connected with UK and used that network to find their footing in the professional world. Whether it’s helping secure workouts, providing mentorship, or opening doors through connections, Big Blue Nation continues to back its own—even after the cameras fade on draft night.
In the days following the draft, social media has lit up with support for the undrafted quartet. Fans, former players, and even NBA stars have shared words of encouragement, reminding them that their journeys are far from over. And history shows that being undrafted is not a death sentence for a basketball career. Quite the opposite—it often becomes the fuel that lights the fire.
Just last year, Oscar Tshiebwe, a former Kentucky star and college basketball’s national player of the year, went undrafted before signing a two-way contract with the Indiana Pacers. His hard work and perseverance earned him valuable minutes on the court and set the stage for a potentially long NBA career. The lesson? The draft is one night. What matters more is what comes after.
For Jaylen Wells, Kareem Watkins, Trevon Brazile, and Adou Thiero, the draft may not have brought the outcome they dreamed of, but it did offer something just as valuable: clarity. They now know the challenge ahead, and they’re ready to meet it head-on. Whether it’s Summer League breakout performances, thriving in the G League, or finding their rhythm overseas, each of them has the tools, the mindset, and the pedigree to succeed.
The road may be longer, and the spotlight might not shine as brightly, but that doesn’t mean the dream is over. Not for these Wildcats. They’ve battled for every opportunity they’ve ever had, and they’ll continue to do so—with pride, with purpose, and with the full force of Big Blue Nation behind them.
The journey continues. And for these four Kentucky stars, the best chapters may still be unwritten.
