Eighteen former Kentucky basketball players are set to compete in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, with the University of Kentucky boasting the most ex-players in the postseason. Louisville basketball is represented by two former players. Donovan Mitchell played a key role in leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a former Wildcat, guided the Oklahoma City Thunder to the No. 1 overall seed in the league, securing home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. Gilgeous-Alexander concludes the season as the NBA's top scorer, averaging 32.7 points per game and is a frontrunner for the league MVP award. The NBA playoffs kick off today with two play-in games featuring the Atlanta Hawks, Orlando Magic, Golden State Warriors, and Memphis Grizzlies.