Wildcats in the NBA: These 5 Kentucky alumni are crushing it to begin 2023-24 NBA season
The Kentucky Wildcats remain the most prolific college basketball program at producing NBA talent, with a whopping 26 players in the association for the 2023-24 season.
Kentucky players aren't just roster fillers either; in fact, five Wildcats are ranked inside the top 31 in points per game so far this year - including two 'Cats in the Top 10.
Here is a look at the five Wildcats currently among the game's best pure scorers - with a look at those just missing the cut as well.
(Note: Devin Booker (4 games, 29.5 points) and Tyler Herro (8 games, 22.9 points) have dealt with injuries so far this season, but have played well when healthy)
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, G, Oklahoma City Thunder
Stats: 12 games, 34.9 minutes, 29.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, six assists, 2.6 steals
SGA has looked like a very legitimate MVP candidate so far for the Thunder, whose accelerated rebuild has them in contention already in the Western Conference.
2. Tyrese Maxey, G, Philadelphia 76ers
Stats: 12 games, 38.3 minutes, 26.9 points, 6.8 assists, five rebounds, 43.3% from deep
Many felt Maxey's breakout was coming this season, and Philadelphia's trade of James Harden solidified that early in the year. Maxey looks like a legit star and could challenge for 30 per night in the near future.
3. Bam Adebayo, PF/C, Miami Heat
Stats: 12 games, 34.8 minutes, 22.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.3 steals
Adebayo and Jimmy Butler are playing well for a Miami team that has struggled in the early going this season, also contributing excellent defense. Tyler Herro getting healthy will help this team even more.
4. Karl-Anthony Towns, PF/C, Minnesota Timberwolves
Stats: 12 games, 33.3 minutes, 21.7 points, nine rebounds, 2.8 assists, 35.8% from deep
Towns continues to play well for Minnesota, who, alongside Anthony Edwards, are hoping to make a push in the very crowded Western Conference.
5. Anthony Davis, C, Los Angeles Lakers
Stats: 12 games, 35.9 minutes, 21.6 points, 11.8 rebounds, 3.5 blocks, 3.3 assists
It's wild what a fully healthy Anthony Davis is capable of doing, even this far into his NBA career, and this year has been the proof of that. Here's to hoping he can play 70+ games this year.
Others of note: Julius Randle (19.4 points), Shaedon Sharpe (18.6 points), Keldon Johnson (16.3 points), Immanuel Quickley (15.5 points).
Takeaways from Kentucky's win over Stonehill
Takeaways: A 25-point game from Reed Sheppard leads Kentucky past Stonehill
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