JUST IN: Wildcats Beam with Pride as Former Kentucky Stars Capture 2025 NBA Championship
By Marcus Ellison – ESPN Senior NBA & NCAA Contributor | June 23, 2025
In a full-circle moment that has electrified Big Blue Nation, three former University of Kentucky basketball standouts have hoisted the 2025 NBA Championship trophy, bringing pride and glory not only to their professional franchises—but also back to the blue-blood college program that helped launch their careers.
Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers), Brandon Boston Jr. (76ers), and Oscar Tshiebwe (76ers)—all proud alumni of John Calipari’s Wildcats—played pivotal roles in helping the 76ers capture their first NBA title since 1983, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder in a thrilling six-game Finals series.
> “These are Kentucky guys through and through,” said Calipari, beaming during an appearance on ESPN’s Get Up. “They worked, they sacrificed, and they’ve brought that championship mindset from Lexington to the biggest stage in the world.”
Maxey Ascends to Superstar Status
Tyrese Maxey, who played just one season at Kentucky in 2019–20, emerged as the Finals MVP, averaging 26.2 points, 6.7 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game, including a clutch 34-point performance in Game 5 that turned the tide of the series. His leadership, relentless energy, and electric shot-making were a revelation for casual fans but no surprise to Kentucky faithful.
> “I learned to lead in Lexington,” Maxey said during the post-game celebration. “Coach Cal taught me how to be a dog on both ends. Everything I am today was born at Kentucky.”
Brandon Boston Jr.: The Silent X-Factor
Once considered a project player with star upside, Brandon Boston Jr., a member of the Wildcats’ 2020–21 squad, came alive during the Finals. His versatility and three-point shooting (43.8% in the series) gave the Sixers’ bench a dangerous spark. In Game 4, Boston drilled four consecutive triples in the second half to erase a 12-point deficit, prompting praise from teammates and coaches alike.
> “BJ’s always been capable of this,” Maxey said. “We saw it back at Kentucky. Now the world sees it.”
Oscar Tshiebwe: The Heartbeat in the Paint
Perhaps the most beloved of the trio, Oscar Tshiebwe, the 2022 National Player of the Year at Kentucky, brought grit, toughness, and rebounding supremacy to the Sixers’ frontcourt. Despite limited minutes, he made every possession count—averaging 8.4 rebounds and 2.1 offensive boards per game off the bench. His Game 6 performance, which included three crucial fourth-quarter putbacks, helped seal the title.
> “Oscar is a warrior,” said Sixers head coach Nick Nurse. “He doesn’t need plays run for him—he just dominates effort.”
Kentucky’s NBA Pipeline Proves Its Power
With this championship, Kentucky extends its lead as the top producer of NBA talent over the past two decades. A staggering 34 former Wildcats were on NBA rosters this season, including Anthony Davis, Devin Booker, De’Aaron Fox, and Jamal Murray. The presence of three Kentucky alumni playing essential roles in the Finals win is further validation of the program’s professional pedigree.
> “We prepare pros,” Calipari declared. “Not just to make the league—but to win in the league.”
Big Blue Nation celebrated across social media with trending hashtags like #CatsInTheLeague, #KentuckyToTheNBA, and #BBNChamps, while Rupp Arena’s Jumbotron played highlights of the trio’s NBA triumphs alongside their college moments.
As the confetti settled in Philadelphia, it wasn’t just the 76ers that were celebrating—it was Lexington, too. Kentucky’s legacy grows stronger, and the blueprint for college-to-champion success now has three more names carved in gold.
