At least 13 former Kentucky Wildcats will suit up for a team in this year’s confusingly named 2025 NBA 2K26 Summer League. All five rookies signed from Mark Pope’s inaugural team will make their professional basketball debuts, plus we will see a few names from the past. Also, with the flexible roster structure in this format, you never know who else might join (or leave) a team at any given moment.
The Salt Lake Summer League and California Classic are already underway, with Justin Edwards picking up where he left off in the regular season. You can catch Edwards Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m. against the Grizzlies on YouTube in the Salt Lake finale; however, that is just the warm-up act for the main event in Las Vegas, which kicks off on Thursday, July 10.
Starting with the Kentucky players most recently drafted, here are former ‘Cats to watch this year and when to watch them:
Koby Brea | Phoenix Suns | #14
Koby Brea was the first Wildcat plucked off the board in the 2025 NBA Draft. The Phoenix Suns made a series of trades to acquire the rights to Brea, and those transactions finally became official this week. Second-year player, Oso Ighodaro, wears number 4 for the Suns, so Koby chose 14 instead, the number TyTy Washington wore for Phoenix last year. The Suns are in salary cap limbo, so Brea (a relatively cheap rookie) has a good shot at making the opening-day roster.
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Amari Williams | Boston Celtics | #77
Amari Williams became the second Mark Pope player drafted into the NBA when he came off the board to the Boston Celtics at 46. He subsequently signed a two-way contract with the team, but considering the Celtics have since traded away big men Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kornet, there are openings at the center position to be filled. Look for Amari to compete for an opening-day roster spot while channeling his inner Kerr Kriisa by wearing number 77.
Jaxson Robinson | Cleveland Cavaliers | #14
It took way too long for a team to sign Jaxson Robinson, but eventually, the Cleveland Cavaliers wised up and brought in Jax on an Exhibit-10 contract. He will have a steep hill to climb to make the roster, but with a healed wrist, injuries will no longer hold him back. He will wear number 14, the same number he wore during his one-year stint at Arkansas.
Andrew Carr | Portland Trail Blazers | #64
Andrew Carr will get a chance to make a mark in the NBA with the Portland Trail Blazers. Carr signed an Exhibit-10 deal with the Blazers after going undrafted. Considering he will be wearing number 64, digits that were likely assigned, not chosen, Carr will likely spend a good chunk of the year in the G-League squad with the Rip City Remix, but a (now healthy) big man who can stretch the floor is always a valuable asset in the NBA. You never know.
Lamont Butler | Atlanta Hawks | #31
Much like Andrew Carr and Jaxson Robinson, Lamont Butler will use the Summer League to showcase what he can do while healthy. The Atlanta Hawks signed Butler to a two-way deal, meaning his chances of seeing the NBA court this year are promising. Big Blue Nation should look forward to seeing Butler play without that gigantic brace on his shoulder, as should Hawks fans.
Reed Sheppard | Houston Rockets | #15
Reed Sheppard lit up the Summer League last year and is coming back for more. A victim of being on an incredibly talented team, Sheppard didn’t see much action during the season, though he showed flashes of brilliance. With Kevin Durant now on the roster, Sheppard could be facing a similar blockade of talented veterans when it comes to his quest for playing time, but another solid Summer League outing will demonstrate that he is ready and capable when given the opportunity.
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Rob Dillingham | Minnesota Timberwolves | #4
Kentucky’s other lottery pick from a year ago, Rob Dillingham, was also never able to fully break into his team’s rotation last year. He, like Sheppard, showed signs of greatness, and he’ll look to showcase that shiftiness in the Summer League before his second season in the NBA. Rob has grown close with Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards, so look for him to get more opportunities this season.
Justin Edwards | Philadelphia 76ers | #19
Justin Edwards busted into the scene as an undrafted free agent last year for the Philadelphia 76ers and never looked back. He averaged 10.1 points per game and earned a new three-year contract for his efforts. It is hard not to be happy for Edwards, who struggled at Kentucky but is really showing out now in the NBA.
Antonio Reeves | New Orleans Pelicans | #12
The New Orleans Pelicans inexplicably waived Antonio Reeves after the marksman shot lights out for the team last season. The Pels are doing him a solid, though, and letting him hang around to compete on their Summer League team with the hopes of another organization picking him up. Reeves is too good a shooter to remain a free agent for long.
Chris Livingston | Milwaukee Bucks | #7
Similar to Reeves, Chris Livingston was waived by the Milwaukee Bucks but will play for their Summer League squad in an effective tryout for the other 29 NBA teams. Livingston has yet to find his NBA footing after going 58th overall to the Bucks in 2023, but maybe a change in scenery will help.
Jacob Toppin | Atlanta Hawks | #00
Now with his third NBA team, Jacob Toppin will play for the Atlanta Hawks this summer with hopes of playing for them this fall. Toppin’s NBA highlight thus far in his career was competing in the 2024 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, and the Hawks are excited to see that raw athleticism translate on the court.
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Keion Brooks | New Orleans Pelicans | #11
The official roster shows Keion Brooks is from Washington, but Kentucky fans will always claim him. Brooks played great for the Pelicans during their final handful of games last season, and the team must have been equally impressed, as he will join their Summer League team with a legitimate shot at making their opening-day roster.
Lance Ware | New York Knicks | #45
Just when you thought you were all caught up on former Kentucky Wildcats in the 2025 Summer League, the New York Knicks released their official roster featuring Big Blue Nation favorite, Lance Ware. After departing Lexington for Villanova, Ware spent his fifth year of college basketball at UT Arlington. Now he will represent the Big Apple in Las Vegas and vie for a spot in the league. Get it, Lance.
Las Vegas Summer League Schedule
Thursday, July 10
TIME (ET)
HOME
AWAY
TV/STREAMING
3:30 PM
New Orleans Pelicans (Antonio Reeves, Keion Brooks)
Minnesota Timberwolves (Rob Dillingham)
ESPN2, ESPN+
5:00 PM
Cleveland Cavaliers (Jaxson Robinson)
Indiana Pacers
NBATV, ESPN+
9:30 PM
Denver Nuggets
Milwaukee Bucks (Chris Livingston)
NBATV, ESPN+
10:00 PM
San Antonio Spurs
Philadelphia 76ers (Justin Edwards)
ESPN, ESPN+
Friday, July 11
TIME (ET)
HOME
AWAY
TV/STREAMING
4:00 PM
Memphis Grizzlies
Boston Celtics (Amari Williams)
NBATV, ESPN+
4:30 PM
Atlanta Hawks (Lamont Butler, Jacob Toppin)
Miami Heat
ESPN2, ESPN+
6:00 PM
Detroit Pistons
New York Knicks (Lance Ware)
NBA TV, ESPN+
9:00 PM
Washington Wizards
Phoenix Suns (Koby Brea)
ESPN, ESPN+
10:00 PM
LA Clippers
Houston Rockets (Reed Sheppard)
NBATV, ESPN+
11:00 PM
Portland Trail Blazers (Andrew Carr)
Golden State Warriors
ESPN2, ESPN+
Saturday, July 12
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TIME (ET)
HOME
AWAY
TV/STREAMING
3:30 PM
Cleveland Cavaliers (Jaxson Robinson)
Milwaukee Bucks (Chris Livingston)
NBATV, ESPN+
6:30 PM
Charlotte Hornets
Philadelphia 76ers (Justin Edwards)
ESPN2, ESPN+
8:30 PM
Los Angeles Lakers
New Orleans Pelicans (Antonio Reeves, Keion Brooks)
ESPN2, ESPN+
10:00 PM
Minnesota Timberwolves (Rob Dillingham)
Denver Nuggets
NBATV, ESPN+
10:30 PM
Memphis Grizzlies
Portland Trail Blazers (Andrew Carr)
ESPN2, ESPN+
Sunday, July 13
TIME (ET)
HOME
AWAY
TV/STREAMING
3:30 PM
Phoenix Suns (Koby Brea)
Atlanta Hawks (Lamont Butler, Jacob Toppin)
NBATV, ESPN+
4:00 PM
Detroit Pistons
Houston Rockets (Reed Sheppard)
ESPN2, ESPN+
5:30 PM
New York Knicks (Lance Ware)
Boston Celtics (Amari Williams)
NBATV, ESPN+
7:30 PM
Miami Heat
Cleveland Cavaliers (Jaxson Robinson)
NBATV, ESPN+
9:30 PM
Milwaukee Bucks (Chris Livingston)
LA Clippers
NBATV, ESPN+
Monday, July 14
TIME (ET)
HOME
AWAY
TV/STREAMING
4:30 PM
Atlanta Hawks (Lamont Butler, Jacob Toppin)
Houston Rockets (Reed Sheppard)
NBATV, ESPN+
8:00 PM
Boston Celtics (Amari Williams)
Miami Heat
ESPNU, ESPN+
10:00 PM
Phoenix Suns (Koby Brea)
Sacramento Kings
ESPNU, ESPN+
Tuesday, July 15
TIME (ET)
HOME
AWAY
TV/STREAMING
4:30 PM
Minnesota Timberwolves (Rob Dillingham)
Detroit Pistons
ESPN2, ESPN+
6:00 PM
New York Knicks (Lance Ware)
Brooklyn Nets
ESPN2, ESPN+
8:30 PM
Philadelphia 76ers (Justin Edwards)
Washington Wizards
NBATV, ESPN+
10:00 PM
Portland Trail Blazers (Andrew Carr)
Memphis Grizzlies
NBATV, ESPN+
Wednesday, July 16
TIME (ET)
HOME
AWAY
TV/STREAMING
3:30 PM
Sacramento Kings
Cleveland Cavaliers (Jaxson Robinson)
ESPN2, ESPN+
5:00 PM
Phoenix Suns (Koby Brea)
Minnesota Timberwolves (Rob Dillingham)
NBATV, ESPN+
5:30 PM
Milwaukee Bucks (Chris Livingston)
Chicago Bulls
ESPN2, ESPN+
8:00 PM
Dallas Mavericks
Philadelphia 76ers (Justin Edwards)
ESPN, ESPN+
9:30 PM
New Orleans Pelicans (Antonio Reeves, Keion Brooks)
A Kentucky woman who was expecting a medicine delivery opened the package only to discover severed human arms and fingers on ice, according to a report.
After receiving the gruesome surprise on Wednesday, the woman called 911 from her home in Hopkinsville, The New York Times reported.
A Kentucky woman who was expecting a regular delivery of her medicine opened the package only to discover severed human arms and fingers on ice. WSMV
“We were expecting a delivery of urgent medication that was flown in on like a Nashville airport thing, and they delivered two boxes,” she said in the 911 call obtained by WSMV.
“We opened one box and it turned out to be human body parts for transplant, like it’s very medicinal,” she continued.
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“We’re trying to know where it goes. We just didn’t want to be in the possession of body parts that don’t belong to us.”
Emergency responders then called in Christian County coroner Scott Daniel to retrieve the two arms and four digits, The Times reported.
Daniel took the limbs to the local morgue, where a courier retrieved them on Thursday. It is not immediately clear what courier delivered the alarming package, the outlet said.
The package full of body parts originated in Nashville and was slated to be delivered to a school or hospital for surgical training, the coroner said.
The body parts in the parcel came from four different bodies, Daniel said.
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The package full of body parts originated in Nashville and was slated to be delivered to a school or hospital for surgical training, the coroner said. WSMV
The woman, who was not identified, eventually had her time-sensitive medications and medical supplies delivered a day later, the coroner told the outlet.
“I didn’t ask,” he told the outlet in response to a question about the source of the body parts.
“I mean, I’d assume, obviously, I think they came from cadavers that had been donated.”
The coroner maintained that anyone who finds themselves in a similar gory predicament should call the authorities and avoid any extreme measures, such as refrigerating body parts.
Auburn has a new starting quarterback. Ashton Daniels will start against Kentucky on Saturday night, taking over for Jackson Arnold, sources tell AuburnSports.
Daniels, a transfer from Stanford, entered last week’s win over Arkansas and gave the Tigers’ offense a needed spark. He completed 6 of 8 passes for 77 yards and added 35 rushing yards, helping Auburn finish drives (albeit with field goals) and play cleaner football. It was enough for Freeze and his staff to make a change heading into this weekend’s game.
“I think Daniels just, he’s got this maturity and poise about him,” Freeze said after Auburn’s win at Arkansas. “Obviously he’s a college graduate and has played in a lot of big football games, so it’s not going to be something that overwhelms him. I just thought it was time.”
Freeze said on Monday leading into a week of practice that it would be an “open competition” between Daniels and Arnold. Freeze said on Wednesday and Thursday that both quarterbacks prepared and practiced well during the week.
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In three years at Stanford, Daniels threw for almost 4,000 yards, 21 touchdowns and 20 interceptions. He added over 1,100 rushing yards and nine scores on the ground.
Arnold opened the season as the starter but struggled with consistency in SEC play. His interception that was returned 89 yards for a touchdown against Arkansas was a turning point. Freeze turned to Daniels, who steadied the offense and helped Auburn snap a four-game SEC losing streak.
Arnold has thrown six touchdowns to only two interceptions this season, but is last in the SEC in yards per game (157), QB rating (122) and yards per attempt (6.1).
The decision marks another chapter in Freeze’s search for stability at quarterback, a position that has rotated through multiple players over his three seasons on the Plains. Payton Thorne manned the position in 2023 and 2024, with flashes of Robby Ashford in Freeze’s first season and Hank Brown earning two starts last season. Now this season, it’s Arnold to Daniels, so far.
Freeze is turning to Daniels hoping to bring steadiness and leadership as Auburn tries to build momentum for the stretch run. The Tigers host Kentucky before traveling to play top 10 Vanderbilt, host Mercer, then host top 10 Alabama to close the regular season.
Kentucky’s growth depends on businesses leading solutions that create opportunities, strengthen communities, and drive the state forward. With its next chapter, the Kentucky Chamber Foundation is expanding its impact across the Commonwealth, guided by its strengthened purpose: unlock the power of business, accelerate solutions, and build opportunity in Kentucky.
“This next chapter marks a defining moment in our work, demonstrating the growing impact of business-led solutions across Kentucky. We are proud of what we have accomplished alongside our partners and Chamber members, and this reintroduction builds on that foundation. When employers engage with the Foundation, they help unlock solutions that extend beyond individual companies and create a thriving future for the entire Commonwealth and its people,” said Kentucky Chamber Foundation Senior Vice President Beth Davisson.
The Foundation advances this purpose through three core areas:
• Driving Collaborative, Business-Led Solutions: Uniting employers and partners to solve Kentucky’s most pressing challenges.
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• Expanding Opportunity by Strengthening Communities: Creating pathways for Kentuckians to learn, work, and thrive by addressing barriers to prosperity through employer-driven action.
• Building for Tomorrow: Focusing on future trends, bold ideas, and long-term strategies that shape Kentucky’s next chapter.
Since 2017, the Kentucky Chamber Foundation has worked to strengthen Kentucky’s workforce, education, and communities through employer-led solutions that expand opportunity and drive economic growth. Through its workforce initiatives, the Foundation has trained 358 employers, connected 1,743 Kentuckians to jobs, and partnered with more than 650 employers across 70 industries to grow their workforce.
Through its education initiatives, the Foundation has engaged 1,055 educators and impacted 52,845 students statewide, helping connect classrooms with careers and prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow.
The foundation has also created 600 post-high-school workforce placements in partnership with businesses across the state. Here are a few examples of impact:
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• Opening Pathways for Students – When Kentucky students step off the school bus and into a business, their future starts to come into focus. With support from AT&T and Toyota, Bus to Business® gave thousands of students a behind-the-scenes look at careers in tech, manufacturing, health care, and more. Through the initiative, the Foundation is aligning education with workforce needs and building Kentucky’s talent pipeline.
• Investing in Health Care Talent – Kentucky’s health care system depends on a steady pipeline of skilled workers. In 2025, Baptist Health and UK HealthCare – King’s Daughters played a central role in the Kentucky Chamber Foundation’s Health Care Accelerator, aligning education with workforce needs across the Commonwealth. The work, in partnership with the Kentucky Hospital Association, strengthens critical industries and ensures Kentuckians have access to the care they need.
• Expanding Second Chances – Kentucky businesses are breaking down barriers to employment and building second chances. In 2025, employers like Goodwill Kentucky, Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH), and Fifth Third Bank joined the Kentucky Chamber Foundation’s Fair Chance Academy to learn how to recruit and retain justice-involved Kentuckians. By expanding opportunity for workers, the Foundation is helping employers meet demand and communities grow stronger.
• Strengthening the Veteran Workforce – Businesses are finding mission-ready talent in Kentucky’s military community. Through the Kentucky Chamber Foundation’s Military Hiring Academy, employers like Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport and UPS have learned how to translate military experience, improve retention, and build veteran-friendly workplaces. The work connects skilled veterans to careers in Kentucky while helping businesses strengthen their workforce.
• Empowering School Leaders to Strengthen Student Success – Businesses across Kentucky are making critical investments to strengthen school leadership and build stronger communities. Through the Kentucky Chamber Foundation’s Leadership Institute for School Principals Program, in partnership with Truist Leadership Institute, the business community has invested more than $4.4 million to train over 600 principals across 112 counties. In Henderson County, 18 principals have participated in the program, leading to notable gains in student achievement and two schools earning National Blue Ribbon distinctions. The investment helps ensure students are set up for future success. To learn more about the Foundation’s next chapter and its impact across the Commonwealth, visit www.kychamberfoundation.org.