Excitement is building in Lexington as EA Sports officially confirmed the return of its college basketball video game series, and current Kentucky Wildcats players are buzzing with anticipation. With the release scheduled for next year, many players have already begun speculating on their in-game ratings and how they’ll be represented in the long-awaited reboot.
The revival of EA Sports College Basketball has stirred nostalgia and curiosity, especially among a new generation of athletes who grew up playing NBA 2K but never had the chance to see themselves in a collegiate game. For Kentucky, one of the most storied programs in college basketball history, the announcement hit close to home.
Sophomore guard D.J. Wagner couldn’t hide his enthusiasm when asked about the game. “I used to watch my dad play the old NCAA games on PlayStation 2,” he said. “Now to think that I could be in the game, wearing that Kentucky jersey — it’s surreal. I’m hoping they give me at least an 85 rating. I know I can hoop, and the fans will see that.”
Freshman phenom Boogie Fland, a five-star recruit expected to make an immediate impact, joked about where he should rank. “I mean, I know I’m a freshman, but if they’re being real, I better be at least an 82. I’ve been putting in work. My speed and handles? That should be top tier,” he said with a smile.
While ratings are always a subject of debate, several players acknowledged the game’s role beyond entertainment. Junior forward Tre Mitchell highlighted the game’s importance to exposure and legacy. “This is huge, especially with NIL being a factor now. We’ll get paid for our likeness, but it’s also about legacy. Kids can pick up a controller and play as Kentucky again. That’s special.”
Senior guard Antonio Reeves, one of the most experienced players on the roster, echoed a similar sentiment. “This game means more than people think. When recruits see themselves in a game like this, with real likenesses and real arenas, it motivates them. And for us, it’s a piece of history. I’m guessing I’ll be rated somewhere around an 86, hopefully better if they watched my last season,” he said confidently.
The conversation also sparked friendly debates among teammates in the locker room. Who will have the best dunk rating? The highest three-point shot? The fastest speed? According to insiders, the team has already begun drawing up mock ratings and even running their own simulated tournaments — based purely on speculation, of course.
Coach Mark Pope, returning to the program as head coach in 2025, welcomed the enthusiasm. “It’s fun to see the players engage with this,” he said. “The EA Sports games used to be a big part of college basketball culture. It brings a lot of energy back into the sport, and these guys deserve to be recognized on that level. It’s also a great recruiting tool.”
The buzz around Kentucky isn’t limited to just the players. Fans have also joined in on social media, sharing throwback clips of past UK teams in older versions of the game and imagining what Rupp Arena will look like on next-gen consoles. The hashtag #BBN2K25 has started trending among Big Blue Nation, showing just how ready the Kentucky faithful are for their team’s return to digital hardwood.
As EA Sports continues to finalize development, one thing is certain: Kentucky will be one of the headline programs when the game finally hits shelves. Whether it’s for the ratings, the rivalry matchups, or simply the chance to run the floor in Rupp Arena, the Wildcats are ready to leave their mark — both on the court and on the screen.
