Kentucky
13 Kentucky guys set to play in the NBA Summer League
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.
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.
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.
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
| 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)
OKC Thunder
NBATV, ESPN+
Thursday, July 17
| TIME (ET) | HOME | AWAY | TV/STREAMING |
| 4:30 PM | Indiana Pacers | New York Knicks (Lance Ware) | ESPN2, ESPN+ |
| 6:00 PM | Atlanta Hawks (Lamont Butler, Jacob Toppin) | Memphis Grizzlies | NBATV, ESPN+ |
| 8:00 PM | Houston Rockets (Reed Sheppard) | Portland Trail Blazers (Andrew Carr) | NBATV, ESPN+ |
| 9:00 PM | Boston Celtics (Amari Williams) | Los Angeles Lakers | ESPN, ESPN+ |
Kentucky players in the 2025 NBA Summer League
| Player | Team | Number |
| Amari Williams | Boston Celtics | 77 |
| Andrew Carr | Portland Trailblazers | 64 |
| Antonio Reeves | New Orleans Pelicans | 12 |
| Chris Livingston | Philadelphia 76ers | 7 |
| Jacob Toppin | Atlanta Hawks | 00 |
| Jaxson Robinson | Cleveland Cavaliers | 14 |
| Justin Edwards | Phildadelphia 76ers | 19 |
| Keion Brooks | New Orleans Pelicans | 11 |
| Koby Brea | Phoenix Suns | 14 |
| Lamont Butler | Atlanta Hawks | 31 |
| Lance Ware | New York Knicks | 45 |
| Reed Sheppard | Houston Rockets | 15 |
| Rob Dillingham | Minnesota Timberwolves | 4 |
LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 10, 2026) — Growing up in Grayson County, Hollie Hagan always knew she wanted to help people. She just wasn’t sure what that looked like.
Like many students entering college, Hagan originally envisioned a career in healthcare. She planned to study nutrition and dietetics, inspired by time spent volunteering at her local food pantry. But an internship with the Grayson County Health Department during her senior year of high school introduced her to a field she hadn’t even realized existed — public health.
“I had no clue what a health department does or even what public health was,” Hagan said. “Then I got there and saw all the ways they were helping people, both directly and indirectly. I thought, ‘This is something I really want to be a part of.’”
That experience changed everything.
Alongside her coursework, she has served as a College of Public Health senator in the Student Government Association, has moderated public health panels and is participating in the Rural Public Health Scholars Program, a combination of course- and fieldwork that places students in rural communities to work on projects aimed at improving health outcomes.
But throughout those experiences, one goal has remained constant — returning to the community that helped shape her.
“I’ve realized that with public health you can make an impact on any level,” said Hagan, who is also a Lewis Honors College student. “For me, I want to be at the local level helping people.”
That desire has been evident since she first arrived at the Grayson County Health Department.
Josh Horton, public health director for the Grayson County Health Department, said Hagan quickly distinguished herself through both her work ethic and willingness to learn.
“Hollie has always been a very capable person,” he said. “You just give her instructions, and she runs with it.”
While Hagan entered her high school internship knowing she was interested in leadership, Horton watched her interests evolve as she gained firsthand experience in public health.
“When she came back to us and said, ‘I want to do something in public health,’ that was a reminder of why we’re doing what we’re doing,” Horton said. “Our goal has always been to inspire people to go into public health. We’d love for them to come back to Grayson County, but as long as they end up serving somewhere in public health, we consider it a win.”
For Hagan, public health offered something she hadn’t found elsewhere — the opportunity to create ripple effects that improve the health and well-being of entire communities.
“I think it’s important to learn about health at a community level,” she said. “You’re not just learning how to treat one person. You’re learning how to impact everyone in a community, which I think is just so amazing and unique.”
Her time at the College of Public Health has given Hagan opportunities to grow both as a student and a leader. One of those experiences came when she moderated the Big Blue Public Health Illumination Seminar Series on Summer Safety and Emergency Preparedness, bringing together public health professionals and community leaders for a discussion on issues affecting Kentucky communities.
Hosting her first public health panel was intimidating, she said, but it quickly became one of her most rewarding experiences.
“Once the conversation got going, I found myself learning just as much as everyone else in the room,” Hagan said. “We had such a great group of panelists, and it really highlighted the work happening in rural communities.”
Among those panelists was Horton, who saw Hagan confidently guide conversations around the very work she’d experienced during her internship.
“To see her take what she learned here in Grayson County and then lead a panel discussing those ideas at the university was exciting,” he said. “It’s rewarding because it reminds us why we invest in students.”
This summer, Hagan has returned to Grayson County for her fieldwork portion of the Rural Public Health Scholars Program, continuing to build experience in environmental health — an area she now hopes to pursue professionally as a registered environmental health specialist.
Long term, she sees herself building a career in rural public health.
“I like being on the go,” Hagan said. “I like being out in the community, doing site visits, talking with people and making a difference.”
For Horton, that commitment reflects something deeper than career ambition.
“It takes a certain heart to stay in rural public health,” he said. “There are opportunities to go elsewhere, but people who choose rural communities do it because they want to serve. Hollie has that same heart.”
Looking back, Hagan never expected a high school job-shadowing experience and a food pantry volunteer position would lead her to public health. Now, she hopes other students discover the field just as she did.
“If you want to have a larger impact, come to the College of Public Health,” she said. “You’ll learn how to improve the health of an entire community.”
For Hagan, that community has always been Grayson County—and she hopes one day to return home and help it thrive.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (WKYT) – The Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet has released new information regarding the release of the man convicted in the death of Logan Tipton.
Ronald Exantus, 42, will be released from the Kentucky State Reformatory on July 29. Still, before that, he may be subject to involuntary hospitalization due to his not being found guilty by reason of insanity on one count of murder and one count of burglary.
According to a letter sent on June 5 by the cabinet to Chief Circuit Court Judge Jeremy Mattox, Commonwealth’s Attorney Kelli Kearney, and Department of Public Advocacy Directing Attorney Josh Miller, the court has the opportunity to begin involuntary hospitalization proceedings against Exantus, as mentioned in the judgment against him.
READ THE LETTER BELOW
Per Kentucky law, when a defendant is found not guilty by reason of insanity, the court shall order an involuntary hospitalization; the court may also order a 10-day detention period to allow proceedings to be initiated.
The cabinet states in the letter that it does not have the authority to initiate the proceedings because Exantus was found guility but mentally on three counts of assault.
WKYT has reached out to the Woodford County Commonwealth’s Attorney and the Department of Public Advocacy to ask whether involuntary hospitalization procedures are being initiated in this case. We have yet to hear back.
Copyright 2026 WKYT. All rights reserved.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – Kentucky state lawmakers held a town hall Wednesday night at the South Central Regional Library in south Louisville to hear directly from residents about concerns over hyperscale AI data centers — one of several public meetings on the issue in recent months, but the first organized by legislators themselves.
State senators and representatives convened the meeting on their own time, during the legislative off-season, ahead of January’s session.
“This is a time to bring people together, allow community to have their voice heard, and us take that information back so when it does come time for January, we have the right information in order to create policy that is going to be good for our constituents,” said Sen. Keturah Herron.
Residents, advocates, and organizers packed the library to raise concerns about energy demand, water use, noise, transparency, and whether costs would be passed to everyday utility customers.
Rep. Lisa Wellner cautioned that the legislative fight ahead would be difficult.
“The utilities lobby is very, very powerful in Frankfort…These are going to be the same powerful moneyed forces we’re going to be up against with these hyperscale data centers,” Wellner said.
Sen. Gary Clemons, a 30-year chemical industry veteran, drew a comparison between the potential impact of AI data centers and the effects of factories already bordering some Louisville neighborhoods.
“I negotiate with multi-million, billion dollar companies every day. I’m ready to go toe-to-toe with them now, if we’re ready to do it,” Clemons said.
U.S. Rep. Morgan McGarvey also attended the meeting.
“I am sick and tired and done with out-of-state corporations coming into our state, our home, our community — and using our resources, wasting and exploiting our people for their gain,” McGarvey said.
Attendee Virginia Bush, who came with a list of concerns about the city’s draft regulations, said halting data centers entirely was not realistic but that inaction was not an option.
“We know it’s not realistic to stop all of them, because people use the data in their everyday life…but they need to be regulated so that these things aren’t causing damage to the communities and to the environment,” Bush said.
Copyright 2026 WAVE. All rights reserved.
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