University of Kentucky, also known as Big Blue Nation, has produced a handful of quality players over the years. In the summer of 2015 Kentucky became the first school with three number one picks in the Common Draft Era. Two of those three picks include All-Stars Anthony Davis and John Wall, while the third one being the dynamic rookie, Karl-Anthony Towns. If you add guys like DeMarcus Cousins and Devin Booker to the equation it just keeps getting better. With these players, the University of Kentucky is starting to make an empire in the NBA.
John Wall – 2010 No.1 overall
The leader of John Calipari’s first Kentucky team has made his name in the NBA. Only in his sixth season, John Wall is already a three time NBA All-Atar (2014-2016) and a member of the NBA All-Defensive second team (2015). Wall is averaging 17.6 ppg and dishing out 8.7 apg for his career.
With his blazing speed and much improved shooting, John Wall is arguably a top five point guard in the NBA. Leading his Washington Wizards to a 34-35 record this season, John Wall is already a household name.
DeMarcus Cousins – 2010 No.5 overall
John Wall’s partner back in 2010, DeMarcus Cousins, is taking the league by storm. Averaging insane numbers of 27.2 ppg while grabbing 11.5 rpg this season, DeMarcus has solidified himself as the best center in the league. Cousins has already made two All-Star appearances (2015-2016) and an All-NBA second team last season.
Unlike Wall, Cousins has yet to make a playoff appearance. With the addition of All-Star Rajon Rondo (also from UK) to the Sacramento Kings, Cousins hoped that this will be the season he makes it in the playoffs. But with a disappointing record of 27-42, it looks like he has to wait another year.
Anthony Davis – 2012 No.1 overall
The best player of Calipari’s championship team back in 2012, Anthony Davis, also known as “The Unibrow” is an outstanding talent at the power forward spot. Averaging 24.3 ppg and 10.3 rpg, Davis made his third NBA All-Star appearance earlier this season. But Davis made his name on the other side of the court where he is averaging 2.4 bpg and 1.3 spg for his career.
After making the playoffs last season, the Pelicans have been lackluster this season, as they currently have a record of 26-43. Davis made it to the All-NBA first team and All-NBA defensive team last season, but this year Davis suffered a back contusion which ruled him out for the rest of the season.
Expect Davis to come back next year and regain his throne as the best power forward in the NBA.
Karl-Anthony Towns – 2015 No.1 overall
The 7 ft center from the Dominican Republic has been phenomenal in his first NBA season. He’s putting up 17.9 ppg and hauling down 10.3 rpg, impressive considering the fact that he’s a rookie that came into the NBA averaging only 10.3 ppg and 6.7 rpg in College. On the defensive end he is extremely versatile; he has the quickness to stay in front of guards and the strength to defend forwards and centers. The rookie, alongside his partner Andrew Wiggins, is on his way to becoming the face of the NBA.
His first season with Minnesota has been nothing like his amazing season with Kentucky last year. The Wolves are lottery bound with a record of 22-47 so far this season. But being mentored by Kevin Garnett, one of the best power forwards in NBA history, might be the best consolation for the rookie.
Unless Towns starts a massive slump or Kristaps Porzingis suddenly puts up 30 ppg and 15 rpg the rest of the season, the Rookie of the Year award should be in the bag for Towns.
With four superstars produced by UK, the program is looking more and more impressive each year. Under head coach John Calipari, Big Blue Nation has never been louder and prouder in the NBA. It’s only a matter of time before Calipari is recognized as one of, if not, the best college coach in the modern day.
*Notable players from UK under Coach Calipari include:
- Eric Bledsoe
- Brandon Knight
- Michael-Kidd Gilchrist
- Nerlens Noel
- Devin Booker
