Good morning, BBN!
Fans saw two of their stars taken in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft last night, and one of them picked up in Free Agency.
Koby Brea, AKA Fuego, a 6′7″ shooting guard known for his elite 3‑point game, was selected 41st overall by the Golden State Warriors, whose draft rights were immediately traded to the Phoenix Suns.
Brea averaged 11.6 PPG and shot 43.5% from deep in his lone season at Kentucky, making 93 triples—the 7th-most in program history. He joins a Suns backcourt already led by former Cat Devin Booker.
Just a few spots later, Amari Williams, a 7‑footer with impressive versatility, was picked 46th overall by the Orlando Magic, then traded to the Boston Celtics.
Williams averaged 10.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game at Kentucky, showcasing his ability to impact both ends of the floor.
Finally, to close the night, Lamont Butler signed a 2-way deal with the Atlanta Hawks, per multiple reports.
Though Kentucky’s 17-year streak of first-round picks ended this year, Brea and Williams ensured the Wildcats’ pipeline to the NBA remains strong, extending their draft streak to 18 consecutive years.
Beyond that, this is a significant advantage for recruiting. Seeing Pope take Brea and Williams to the NBA Draft speaks plenty about his system and execution at Kentucky.
I’m excited to see how many NBA guys he can develop this coming season.
Tweet of the Day:
I could not be more excited for @kobybrea and this opportunity. Two years ago, Koby had a really tough surgery and spent an entire summer in a wheelchair. To see him come back from that, become a Kentucky legend and now make his way to the NBA has been incredible to witness. https://t.co/MBR0s7K9Xc
— Mark Pope (@CoachMarkPope) June 27, 2025
Amari Williams did it all for us this season as a point-center.
He has taken an untraditional path to the NBA, coming from Nottingham, England, to setting records at Drexel before setting records as a Kentucky Wildcat.
I could not be prouder of @amxriwillixms and am looking… https://t.co/TVDnUlOpA9
— Mark Pope (@CoachMarkPope) June 27, 2025
First Mark Pope year is officially a wrap and a major success.
Headlines:
Amari Williams is Second Cat to Earn NBA Draft Selection - UK Athletics
More on Williams getting drafted.
Carlie Makarawu Named Semifinalist for The Bowerman Award - UK Athletics
Love to see it!
Koby Brea Selected No. 41 Overall in Second Round of NBA Draft - UK Athletics
More on Brea being drafted.
2025 NBA Draft tracker, takeaways: Johni Broome, Ryan Kalkbrenner, Kam Jones go off the board early in Round 2 - CBS Sports
It’ll be very interesting to see if Johni Broome succeeds at the next level.
Sources: Texas State, Pac-12 expected to finalize move soon - ESPN
Pac 12 revival?
Dodgers left-hander Kershaw strikes out 5, moves closer to 3,000 career strikeouts - Yahoo Sports
Is Kershaw in your top 5 MLB pitchers of all time?
Lakers’ Austin Reaves declined max extension that would have paid $89.2 million over four years, per report - CBS Sports
Big paycheck coming for Reaves next summer.
Sources: Ace Bailey’s reps told team in top five not to pick him - ESPN
This was such a bad look.
Griffin Canning injury: Mets starter leaves game early vs. Braves, team fears Achilles injury - CBS Sports
Tragic news.
Alabama lands Ezavier Crowell, the No. 3 RB in 2026 class - ESPN
The Tide aren’t slowing down.