Kentucky basketball never takes a day off—and this past week proved it yet again. From an NBA breakout to a major recruiting update and a dive into the program’s historic numbers, here’s everything you need to know.
Koby Brea Makes a Statement in NBA Debut
Koby Brea wasted no time turning heads in his first professional game. The second-round pick erupted for 19 points on just 10 shots, drilling 4-of-5 from beyond the arc and leading the Phoenix Suns in scoring.
It was a quietly dominant performance with major implications. With Grayson Allen locked into a $40 million deal, Brea’s early emergence could shake up the Suns’ guard rotation sooner than expected. He looked polished, confident, and NBA-ready—something few rookies can say after their first taste of pro action.
Recruiting Watch: Five-Star PG Deron Rippey Jr. Visiting Lexington
Mark Pope has scored a major win on the recruiting trail. Elite 2026 point guard Deron Rippey Jr. will be in Lexington for an official visit from August 1–3.
Rippey, ranked in the top 20 nationally and the No. 2 point guard in his class, has been red-hot on the EYBL circuit. In May, he averaged 15 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds, and over 2 steals per game—while shooting 43% from three.
Bluebloods like UConn, Duke, and Texas are also in pursuit, but Kentucky has early momentum. If Pope lands him, it could be a game-changing addition for the Wildcats’ future.
By the Numbers: Kentucky’s All-Time Greats
Looking for ammo for your next barbershop debate? A new breakdown of Kentucky’s all-time leaders in key statistical categories just dropped—and it’s a trip down Big Blue memory lane.
Dan Issel tops both the scoring and rebounding charts, while other legends like Tony Delk, Keith Bogans, Jamal Magloire, and Dirk Minnifield make appearances across the board.
What’s striking? Not many players from the 2000s crack the top five in major categories—a likely consequence of the one-and-done era. The longevity just isn’t there anymore, which makes the records of past greats even more impressive.
