Two Wildcats land in latest NBA mock draft, just as Lakers news sends shockwaves
With the 2024-25 NBA Draft rapidly approaching, the latest Sports Illustrated mock draft is giving Big Blue Nation a reason to tune in — and maybe raise an eyebrow or two.
Koby Brea to the Pistons
Koby Brea, the sharpshooting transfer who made his name as one of the most efficient three-point threats in college basketball last season, is projected to be picked No. 37 overall by the Detroit Pistons. Brea’s silky stroke and veteran poise made him a valuable piece for Mark Pope’s new-look Wildcats, and his draft stock has quietly risen thanks to strong workouts and measurable consistency.
Amari Williams to the Lakers
Further down the board, Amari Williams is slotted to go No. 55 to the Los Angeles Lakers. The 6-foot-10 center from Drexel brought a much-needed interior presence to Kentucky last season, showcasing shot-blocking instincts, soft touch around the rim, and the kind of defensive awareness NBA teams covet in backup bigs.
And speaking of the Lakers — that’s where the story gets even more dramatic.
In a stunning development, the Buss family is reportedly selling the team for 10 BILLION, ending a decades-long chapter of one of the NBA’s most iconic dynasties. The timing couldn’t be more surreal, with a Kentucky Wildcat potentially joining the franchise during its biggest transition since Dr. Jerry Buss bought the team in 1979. If the mock draft holds, Amari Williams might be entering a franchise searching not just for its next star, but its next identity under new owner Mark Walter.
While neither Brea nor Williams was ever a one-and-done headliner in Lexington, both could soon call the NBA home — proof that Pope’s first UK squad didn’t just entertain, it developed pros.
As the draft nears, expect more movement, more buzz, and perhaps a few more Wildcats sneaking into the spotlight.e