The annual release of ESPN’s ultimate ranking of the top 100 NBA Draft prospects is one of the most anticipated moments leading up to draft night. For fans of Kentucky basketball, this year’s list delivers both pride and expectation, as several Wildcats find themselves among the nation’s most highly touted talent. Once again, Kentucky head coach John Calipari—known for molding future NBA stars—has multiple players featured prominently, a reflection of both the program’s reputation and the individual prowess of these young athletes.
At the top of the Kentucky contingent is freshman forward Zyon Harmon, who comes in as one of the top-20 prospects on ESPN’s list. Despite dealing with minor injuries early in the season, Harmon’s explosive scoring ability, dynamic playmaking, and defensive versatility kept NBA scouts intrigued. He showcased his ability to take over games, especially in Kentucky’s marquee SEC matchups, where he consistently delivered under pressure. Scouts have pointed to his high motor, elite first step, and maturity on and off the court as reasons why he could be a lottery pick. Harmon’s rise up the rankings is also a testament to Kentucky’s player development system, which has long emphasized readiness for the professional game.
Close behind Harmon is seven-footer Aaron Bradshaw, whose length and athleticism have made him a mainstay in first-round projections since high school. Bradshaw has shown steady improvement throughout the season, polishing his footwork in the post while also flashing signs of a modern big’s skill set—namely, the ability to stretch the floor and switch defensively on pick-and-rolls. While his stats may not jump off the page compared to some of his peers, NBA executives value his upside. In a league where rim protection and shooting range are prized commodities, Bradshaw’s ceiling appears tantalizingly high. ESPN ranks him just outside the top 25, but some analysts believe he could climb even higher depending on team workouts and interviews.
Another Wildcat earning recognition is Justin Edwards, a wing whose athletic frame and two-way potential place him firmly in the top 40. Edwards struggled with consistency early in the season but surged down the stretch, especially during Kentucky’s NCAA Tournament run. His ability to guard multiple positions and finish in transition has drawn comparisons to some of the league’s most valuable role players. While Edwards may not carry the same offensive load as Harmon or Bradshaw, his versatility and coachability make him an attractive prospect for teams picking in the late first or early second round.
Further down the list but still inside the top 100 is sophomore guard Reed Sheppard. Unlike some of his flashier counterparts, Sheppard earned his spot with grit, high basketball IQ, and elite shooting. Known for his clutch performances and ability to play either guard position, Sheppard became a fan favorite in Lexington. NBA scouts are split on his long-term potential due to his size and athleticism, but his ability to space the floor and make sound decisions makes him a valuable asset. ESPN slots him in the 60–80 range, a reflection of his projected role as a backup point guard or specialist shooter at the next level.
Also making an appearance is freshman forward Ugonna Onyenso, whose raw talent and physical tools make him a long-term project with tremendous upside. Standing 6-foot-11 with a 7-foot-5 wingspan, Onyenso has been a shot-blocking menace in limited minutes for Kentucky. His offensive game is still developing, but his rim-running ability and defensive presence have piqued the interest of several teams looking for a developmental big man. ESPN ranks him near the tail end of the top 100, but there’s speculation he could move up with a strong showing in pre-draft workouts.
The presence of five Kentucky Wildcats on ESPN’s top-100 list is both a reflection of individual talent and the system that nurtures it. Since Calipari arrived in Lexington, Kentucky has been a mainstay in the conversation surrounding NBA-ready prospects. Year after year, the Wildcats reload with elite talent, and this year is no exception. Even in a season that had its ups and downs, the presence of so many Kentucky names on this list reinforces the program’s identity as a factory for professional basketball.
What’s striking about this year’s crop is the diversity of skill sets represented. From Harmon’s scoring to Bradshaw’s size and defensive instincts, from Edwards’ versatility to Sheppard’s shooting and Onyenso’s rim protection, NBA teams will find a variety of options among the Kentucky group. These aren’t just cookie-cutter prospects—they’re players with defined strengths who have faced high-level competition under one of the most scrutinized spotlights in college basketball.
This exposure, both in terms of media attention and strength of schedule, has long been an advantage for Kentucky players entering the draft. Scouts have ample footage of these Wildcats performing on big stages—against ranked opponents, in hostile environments, and under the weight of national expectations. That kind of pressure is a proving ground, and it often separates legitimate NBA prospects from those who struggle under the microscope.
Moreover, Kentucky’s alumni network in the NBA continues to be a compelling selling point. The success stories of former Wildcats like Anthony Davis, Devin Booker, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, De’Aaron Fox, and Bam Adebayo are not lost on NBA teams. Those players were once in the same position as Harmon, Bradshaw, and Edwards—talented but unproven, raw but promising. The consistency with which Kentucky sends players to the next level and prepares them for the rigors of the NBA has created a lasting trust between NBA front offices and the Wildcat program.
Even for players who may not hear their name called in the first round, the Kentucky brand carries weight. It opens doors for Summer League invites, G-League opportunities, and two-way contracts. The structure and discipline instilled in Lexington—along with exposure to NBA-style practices and terminology—gives these athletes a head start, even if they’re not immediate rotation players at the pro level.
As the NBA Draft approaches, all eyes will be on how these Kentucky Wildcats fare in private workouts, combines, and team interviews. For Harmon and Bradshaw, the lottery is a realistic outcome. For Edwards and Sheppard, landing with the right team could turn them into valuable role players or even breakout contributors. And for Onyenso, development and patience could eventually yield one of the draft’s best value picks.
Ultimately, ESPN’s ranking of these five Wildcats in its top 100 validates both the players’ efforts and the system that developed them. It also reaffirms Kentucky’s role as one of the premier pipelines to the NBA. While some programs may produce the occasional star, Kentucky continues to churn out multiple NBA-caliber prospects every year, and 2025 is no different. As fans eagerly await the draft, the presence of these names on ESPN’s list ensures that Big Blue Nation will once again have plenty to cheer for when the commissioner steps to the podium.
