The Kentucky Wildcats have never been short on star power when it comes to the NBA. Since John Calipari took over in 2009, Lexington has become a launchpad for future pros, producing names like John Wall, Karl-Anthony Towns, Devin Booker, and many more. But now, two former Cats have officially been singled out as among the very best to ever play in this century.
CBS Sports recently revealed its list of the Top 25 NBA Players of the 21st Century, and two Kentucky legends earned their place:
Anthony Davis, coming in at No. 19
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, breaking through at No. 24
Anthony Davis: Dominance When Healthy
When Davis is locked in and on the floor, few players in league history have been as complete. At his peak with the New Orleans Pelicans between 2016–2018, he was virtually unstoppable—putting up 28 points and 11 rebounds a night while serving as arguably the best defender in the world.
CBS’ Brad Botkin highlighted Davis’ unforgettable bubble run in 2020, when he shot an insane 55% from mid-range beyond 16 feet, helping the Los Angeles Lakers capture their only championship in the LeBron James era. Even today, when healthy, Davis remains one of the most uniquely skilled big men the NBA has ever seen.
Davis ranked ahead of elite names like Damian Lillard, Tracy McGrady (who, as many UK fans like to point out, nearly became a Wildcat himself), and even Hall of Famer Allen Iverson.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: From Underdog to MVP
If Davis’ greatness was always expected, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise has been the opposite—a story of surpassing every possible projection. Drafted 11th overall in 2018, he was dealt to Oklahoma City as part of the Clippers’ blockbuster trade for Paul George. Few thought he’d become a franchise cornerstone.
Now, at just 27 years old, SGA has already won an MVP, a scoring title, an NBA championship, and a Finals MVP. His old-school approach—attacking inside the arc rather than living on the three-point line—combined with his 6’6” frame and unique pacing has made him one of the hardest guards to stop in the modern NBA.
CBS’ Colin Ward-Henninger noted that SGA entered the league with “some of the longest odds to superstardom of anyone on this list.” Yet here he is, carving out a legacy that puts him among the very best of his generation.
What This Means for Kentucky’s Future
For Big Blue Nation, these rankings aren’t just about celebrating two NBA superstars—they’re proof of Kentucky’s unmatched pipeline. No other program consistently produces pros who go on to shape the league at the highest level.
Davis and SGA’s success signals to every future recruit that Kentucky isn’t just a stop on the way to the NBA—it’s where legends are made. As long as the Wildcats continue stacking talent, there’s no doubt more names will join this elite list in the years to come.
From Rupp Arena to the NBA’s biggest stages, Kentucky’s legacy as the ultimate basketball factory of stars has never been clearer.
