Times are changing in Lexington. Gone are the days when the Kentucky men’s basketball program was disguised as a one-year stopgap between high school and the NBA. While the Big Blue Nation is certainly hoping for a new head coach Mark Pope With teams able to land a few one-and-dones each offseason, five-star rookies are no longer viewed as a primary reason for success.

Keep that in mind when we talk about ESPN’s favorite prospects for the 2025 NBA Draft. On Wednesday, draft analyst Jonathan Givony released his top 100 rankings for the best players entering next year’s draft. Kentucky had three players make the list, but none ranked in the top 60.

It’s admittedly a little shocking to see Robinson check in so low considering he was a borderline second-round draft pick in the spring. He tested the waters and almost made the jump before ultimately following Pope and transferring from BYU to Kentucky. The reigning Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year is expected to be the Wildcats’ leading scorer this season after posting 14.2 points per game during the 2023-24 season.

The biggest surprise of the three was Brea being ranked as the top NBA prospect. Like Robinson, he tested the draft in the spring before pulling his name and moving from Dayton to the UK. A two-time A-10 Sixth Man of the Year, Brea has some of the skills the NBA is looking for as an elite outside shooter at 6-foot-6. But at this point, everyone knows about his shooting. Professional scouts will look to see what else he can bring to the table as a fifth-year senior this season.

Finally, Garrison was considered by some to be the Wildcat with the most NBA Draft potential. It’s easy to see why. After a solid freshman season at Oklahoma State, the former McDonald’s All-American has defensive skills that are difficult to master at 6-foot-10 and 250 pounds. Is there also an offense? That’s something the NBA staff will keep an eye on as he enters his second season.

Other notable rankings from Givony’s top 100 include a trio of Duke players in the top 10. Cooper Flagg (No. 1), Kon Knueppel (No. 6) and No. 8 Khaman Maluach (No. 8) are three expected One and done freshmen for head coach Jon Scheyer. Kentucky and Duke will meet on November 12th in Atlanta. The Wildcats will have the experience edge, but the Blue Devils will have the talent edge.

Looking at John Calipari’s first Arkansas team, he has five of his players on Givony’s list, although none are considered top-30 prospects. Boogie Fland (No. 32), Adou Thiero (No. 40), Zvonimir Ivisic (No. 45), Jonas Aidoo (No. 71) and Johnell Davis (No. 99) join the Razorbacks who made it. Illinois freshman Will Riley, who had Kentucky in his finalist group in the spring, comes in at No. 22.