Anthony Davis, former University of Kentucky standout and current NBA All-Star, recently made headlines not for his play on the court, but for candid remarks expressing his disillusionment with the current state of college basketball. The comments came during a recent appearance on a podcast hosted by a fellow NBA veteran, where Davis was asked about his thoughts on how the college game has evolved since his one-and-done season with the Wildcats in 2011–2012.
Davis did not hold back.
“College basketball ain’t the same,” he said plainly. “It’s not the game I remember playing in. Everything’s changed. The players, the programs, the incentives—everything.”
For a player who dominated college basketball during his lone season under John Calipari—leading Kentucky to a national championship while sweeping national Player of the Year honors—Davis’ comments struck a chord with fans, coaches, and former players alike. His voice carries weight, not only because of his resume but because of his unique perspective: someone who was part of the early wave of one-and-done stars but who also still holds deep ties to the college game.
Davis explained that much of his concern centers around the commercialization and transactional nature of college basketball today
