Jay Bilas, one of college basketball’s most respected analysts, has identified Kentucky standouts Koby Brea and Amari Williams as two players with legitimate potential to hear their names called early in the 2025 NBA Draft. With a sharp eye for evaluating pro-ready talent, Bilas has consistently offered reliable projections, and his high praise for both Wildcats is catching the attention of scouts and fans alike.
Koby Brea, a transfer from Dayton, brings elite shooting ability and veteran experience to John Calipari’s new-look roster. Widely regarded as one of the top perimeter threats in college basketball, Brea’s three-point accuracy and off-ball movement have made him a coveted asset. In his final season at Dayton, he shot over 45% from beyond the arc, earning All-Atlantic 10 honors and solidifying his reputation as a pure shooter.
Bilas has commended Brea’s basketball IQ and positional versatility. Standing 6-foot-6, Brea has the length and discipline to guard multiple positions while stretching the floor offensively. In a league increasingly reliant on spacing and efficient shooting, Brea’s skillset fits the mold of a modern NBA wing. While not an elite athlete, his ability to read the game and score efficiently could translate well at the next level.
Meanwhile, Amari Williams enters the 2024–25 college season with equally high expectations. The 6-foot-10 center transferred to Kentucky from Drexel, where he dominated the CAA as a rim protector and interior presence. Known for his defensive instincts, shot-blocking ability, and rebounding prowess, Williams is expected to anchor the Wildcats’ frontcourt.
Bilas has highlighted Williams’ defensive versatility as a key trait that makes him draft-worthy. With solid footwork, lateral mobility, and timing, he can switch onto smaller players while still holding his ground in the paint. Offensively, he’s improving his post play and mid-range touch, with flashes of playmaking potential out of the high post. NBA teams are always on the lookout for bigs who can defend without fouling, run the floor, and contribute in pick-and-roll situations—areas where Williams has shown real promise.
Both players are expected to play significant roles on a Kentucky team that is blending experienced transfers with elite freshmen talent. Under new head coach Mark Pope, the Wildcats are transitioning to a more modern, versatile system that could showcase Brea and Williams in ways that boost their draft stock.
Bilas’ early projection for the 2025 draft underscores a broader trend in the NBA scouting world: experience and polish are making a comeback. As more front offices value players who can contribute immediately, upperclassmen like Brea and Williams—with their proven track records—are gaining ground on younger, raw prospects.
If the two Kentucky veterans deliver standout performances this season, their stock will continue to rise. With Bilas already putting them on the national radar, Brea and Williams now have the opportunity to solidify their draft cases with strong campaigns in Lexington.
