As the 2025 NBA Conference Finals tip off, Kentucky stands out with six former Wildcats playing for the four remaining teams—a higher number than any other college.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Cason Wallace are suiting up for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Julius Randle and Rob Dillingham for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Karl-Anthony Towns for the New York Knicks, and Isaiah Jackson for the Indiana Pacers.
Wildcats Lead the Way in the NBA Playoffs
This impressive showing highlights Kentucky’s continued dominance as a pipeline to the NBA, with each conference finalist team featuring at least one Wildcat on its roster. Their presence ensures that a former Kentucky player will once again compete for an NBA championship.
Kentucky is clearly making a big difference in the NBA Playoffs of 2025. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has really impressed with the Thunder, scoring a career-high 32.7 points per game in the regular season and still averaging 29 points in the playoffs after two rounds.
Another impressive performer has been Cason Wallace, playing well enough to score 8.4 points per game in his second year in the NBA.
Playing in Minnesota, Julius Randle plays a big role with 23.9 points, 5.9 rebounds and 5.9 assists in the playoffs. Rob Dillingham is also a newcomer who’s played a big role when the team really needed him.
Kentucky gets the #35 ranked player in America to commit in the 14th slot on the roster….amazing https://t.co/3DJ7mi7WVG
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) May 20, 2025
Over in the East, Karl-Anthony Towns is helping lead the Knicks to their first conference finals appearance in 25 years, and though Isaiah Jackson is sidelined with injury, he remains a key part of the Pacers’ remarkable run.
Villanova and Gonzaga: Still in the Mix
While Kentucky leads in the 2025 NBA Conference Finals, Villanova and Gonzaga are also involved. Four Villanova alumni, like Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart, have made a big difference in the New York Knicks’ return to the playoffs. Brunson has been outstanding during the playoffs, averaging 28.8 points, 7.7 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game.
Gonzaga’s got an awesome trio in the NBA right now—Chet Holmgren with the Thunder, Andrew Nembhard on the Pacers, and Anton Watson playing for the Knicks. Each of these guys has really stepped up for their teams.
Holmgren’s been a force on defense, blocking shots left and right, and he’s putting up about 16 points, 10 rebounds, and over 2 blocks a game in the playoffs. That’s a big reason why a lot of people think the Thunder could go all the way this year.
Nembhard’s been super clutch for Indiana, too—he’s averaging almost 15 points and knocking down half his three-pointers during the playoffs. They’re making Gonzaga proud!
KEEP READING: 2025 Men’s College Basketball Transfer Portal Tracker
Kentucky’s achievement this year is not just about numbers—it’s about impact. With a Wildcat on every conference finalist, the program’s tradition of producing elite NBA talent continues.
“The Kentucky-to-the-NBA pipeline has never been more alive, and former Cats are thriving,” observed KY Insider, emphasizing the school’s ongoing success.
With the Thunder holding the best odds to win the NBA Finals and each remaining team counting on Kentucky alumni, the Wildcats’ legacy is secure for another season. As the NBA Playoffs reach their climax, all eyes will be on Kentucky’s stars as they chase championship glory.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
