After dominating the sports scene since July, the excitement surrounding the launch of College Football 25 has finally calmed down, occurring 11 years after the release of NCAA Football 14 in 2013. This was quickly followed by the launch of Madden NFL 25 last week, EA Sports’ professional counterpart to this beloved video game series. KSR compiled the rankings for current Kentucky players in CFB25 and previous players in Madden, featuring Josh Hines-Allen leading all Kentucky players with an impressive overall rating of 91.
What’s next on the horizon? NBA 2K25, which is set to be released worldwide on September 6, 2024. Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics is featured as the standard cover athlete, and A’ja Wilson from the Las Vegas Aces will appear with him on the All-Star Edition, while she will also have her own cover on the WNBA Edition. Additionally, NBA legend Vince Carter will be honored on the Hall of Fame Edition cover.
But let’s focus on what really matters to you: the former Wildcats and how they compare within the league. The discussion centers around this rookie class, which includes notable names like Reed Sheppard, Rob Dillingham, and Antonio Reeves.
The complete lineup isn’t available just yet, but Ronnie 2K has shared the full rankings of the rookie class, which features this trio of talented Kentucky stars.
So, how did they fare? Sheppard earned the No. 3 spot overall with a rating of 73, followed closely by Dillingham at No. 7 with a rating of 72. Meanwhile, Reeves checks in at No. 49 holding a rating of 68.
You can find the complete rookie ratings here — which, yes, also includes Bronny James.
- Zaccharie Risacher, Atlanta Hawks (75 OVR)
- Alex Sarr, Washington Wizards (75 OVR)
- Reed Sheppard, Houston Rockets (73 OVR)
- Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs (73 OVR)
- Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers (73 OVR)
- Ron Holland II, Detroit Pistons (72 OVR)
- Rob Dillingham, Minnesota Timberwolves (72 OVR)
- Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies (72 OVR)
- Matas Buzelis, Chicago Bulls (72 OVR)
- Nikola Topić, Oklahoma City Thunder (72 OVR)
- Tidjane Salaün, Charlotte Hornets (71 OVR)
- Cody Williams, Utah Jazz (71 OVR)
- Devin Carter, Sacramento Kings (71 OVR)
- DaRon Holmes II, Denver Nuggets (71 OVR)
- Terrence Shannon Jr., Minnesota Timberwolves (71 OVR)
- Bub Carrington, Washington Wizards (70 OVR)
- Kel’el Ware, Miami Heat (70 OVR)
- Jared McCain, Philadelphia 76ers (70 OVR)
- Dalton Knecht, Los Angeles Lakers (70 OVR)
- Tristan da Silva, Orlando Magic (70 OVR)
- Ja’Kobe Walter, Toronto Raptors (70 OVR)
- Jaylon Tyson, Cleveland Cavaliers (70 OVR)
- Yves Missi, New Orleans Pelicans (70 OVR)
- Kyshawn George, Washington Wizards (70 OVR)
- Ryan Dunn, Phoenix Suns (70 OVR)
- Isaiah Collier, Utah Jazz (70 OVR)
- Kyle Filipowski, Utah Jazz (70 OVR)
- Tyler Kolek, New York Knicks (70 OVR)
- Johnny Furphy, Indiana Pacers (70 OVR)
- AJ Johnson, Milwaukee Bucks (69 OVR)
- Pacôme Dadiet, New York Knicks (69 OVR)
- Dillon Jones, Oklahoma City Thunder (69 OVR)
- Baylor Scheierman, Boston Celtics (69 OVR)
- Jonathan Mogbo, Toronto Raptors (69 OVR)
- Tyler Smith, Milwaukee Bucks (69 OVR)
- Bobi Klintman, Detroit Pistons (69 OVR)
- Adem Bona, Philadelphia 76ers (69 OVR)
- KJ Simpson, Charlotte Hornets (69 OVR)
- Jamal Shead, Toronto Raptors (69 OVR)
- Harrison Ingram, San Antonio Spurs (69 OVR)
- Kevin McCullar, New York Knicks (69 OVR)
- Juan Núñez, San Antonio Spurs (68 OVR)
- Ajay Mitchell, Oklahoma City Thunder (68 OVR)
- Jaylen Wells, Memphis Grizzlies (68 OVR)
- Oso Ighodaro, Phoenix Suns (68 OVR)
- Nikola Djurisic, Atlanta Hawks (68 OVR)
- Pelle Larsson, Miami Heat (68 OVR)
- Cam Christie, LA Clippers (68 OVR)
- Antonio Reeves, New Orleans Pelicans (68 OVR)
- Tristen Newton, Indiana Pacers (68 OVR)
- Enrique Freeman, Indiana Pacers (68 OVR)
- Melvin Ajinça, Dallas Mavericks (68 OVR)
- Quinten Post, Golden State Warriors (68 OVR)
- Cam Spencer, Memphis Grizzlies (68 OVR)
- Anton Watson, Boston Celtics (68 OVR)
- Bronny James, Los Angeles Lakers (68 OVR)
- Ulrich Chomche, Toronto Raptors (68 OVR)
- Ariel Hukporti, New York Knicks (68 OVR)
Not too shabby for “just a little boy from Kentucky” like Reed Sheppard.
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Kentucky Stars Shine in NBA 2K25 Rookie Rankings: Sheppard, Dillingham, and Reeves Make Their Mark
Introduction to the NBA 2K25 Rookie Rankings
The NBA 2K25 rookie rankings are here, and fans are buzzing about the impressive performances of several Kentucky Wildcats alumni. This year’s rankings showcase the talent of players like Antonio Reeves, DJ Sheppard, and Robert Dillingham, who have made significant impacts in the virtual basketball world. Each of these players brings unique skills and backgrounds that make them standouts in the NBA 2K community.
Highlighting Kentucky’s Top Rookies
Let’s delve into the individual performances and characteristics of these three Kentucky stars as they navigate their rookie seasons in NBA 2K25.
1. Antonio Reeves: The Scoring Machine
Antonio Reeves has quickly established himself as one of the top rookies in NBA 2K25, known for his incredible scoring ability and sharpshooting skills. Here are some key highlights:
- Scoring Prowess: Reeves is averaging over 20 points per game, making him one of the top scorers among rookies.
- Shooting Accuracy: His three-point shooting percentage hovers around 45%, showcasing his ability to stretch the floor.
- Playmaking Skills: Despite being primarily a scorer, Reeves has shown flashes of playmaking, averaging 4 assists per game.
2. DJ Sheppard: The Defensive Dynamo
DJ Sheppard has made a name for himself in the NBA 2K25 world with his tenacious defense and unmatched athleticism. Key aspects of his game include:
- Defensive Ratings: Sheppard boasts a defensive rating in the top 10 among rookies, proving his worth on the defensive end.
- Versatile Defender: Capable of guarding multiple positions, his ability to switch on screens adds immense value to his team.
- Rebounding: Averaging 7 rebounds per game, his presence on the boards complements his defensive expertise.
3. Robert Dillingham: The Playmaker
Robert Dillingham is known for his exceptional playmaking abilities, making him one of the most intriguing rookie prospects. Here’s what sets him apart:
- Assist Leader: Dillingham leads all rookies with an average of 8 assists per game, showcasing his court vision and passing skills.
- Basketball IQ: His understanding of the game allows him to read defenses effectively, creating opportunities for his teammates.
- Scoring Ability: Despite being a pass-first guard, Dillingham can score efficiently, averaging 15 points per game.
Impact of Kentucky’s Rookies on NBA 2K25
The success of Sheppard, Dillingham, and Reeves is not just a reflection of their talent but also highlights the impact of the Kentucky basketball program. Players from Kentucky have a strong tradition in the NBA, and their transition to the digital court in NBA 2K25 has been exciting to watch.
Statistical Analysis
Here’s a quick overview of the statistical contributions from the Kentucky rookies in NBA 2K25:
| Player | Points Per Game | Assists Per Game | Rebounds Per Game | 3-Point Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antonio Reeves | 20.5 | 4.0 | 3.2 | 45% |
| DJ Sheppard | 12.8 | 3.2 | 7.0 | 35% |
| Robert Dillingham | 15.0 | 8.0 | 4.5 | 40% |
Benefits of Playing as Kentucky Rookies in NBA 2K25
Choosing to play as Kentucky’s rookies in NBA 2K25 offers several advantages:
- Dynamic Gameplay: Each player provides a different style of play, allowing for versatile game strategies.
- High Ratings: The rookies are rated highly, making them competitive choices for both casual and serious players.
- Team Chemistry: Since these players are often featured in the same franchise or myCAREER mode, users can build effective team chemistry.
Practical Tips for Maximizing Performance
To improve gameplay with Kentucky’s rookies in NBA 2K25, consider the following tips:
- Utilize Pick and Roll: Leverage Dillingham’s playmaking by running pick and rolls with Reeves to create open shots.
- Defensive Strategies: Use Sheppard’s defensive skill set to pressure opponents and force turnovers.
- Practice Shooting: Spend time in practice mode to master Reeves’ shooting mechanics for better in-game performance.
Community Reactions and Feedback
The NBA 2K community has had an overwhelmingly positive response to the Kentucky rookies. Players are excited to explore their potential and showcase their skills in various game modes:
- MyCAREER Mode: Many users are incorporating these rookies into their MyCAREER storylines, enhancing their gaming experience.
- Competitive Play: Tournaments and online matches often see these players being featured due to their high ratings and versatility.
Case Studies: Successful Gameplay with Kentucky Rookies
Many players have shared success stories relating to their experiences using Sheppard, Dillingham, and Reeves in NBA 2K25:
- Franchise Mode Triumphs: Users have reported dominating season records and playoff runs by creating teams centered around these rookies.
- Custom Challenges: Players are setting up custom challenges to see just how far they can push the potential of these rookies.
First-Hand Experience: Playing with Kentucky Rookies
Players who have tried out Sheppard, Dillingham, and Reeves often rave about their unique styles:
- Antonio Reeves: “His shooting is incredible; I can hit shots from deep with him!”
- DJ Sheppard: “I love how he locks down opposing players; it’s a real game-changer!”
- Robert Dillingham: ”Dillingham’s assists make the game flow so smoothly; he really opens things up.”
Conclusion: The Future of Kentucky Rookies in NBA 2K25
As the NBA 2K25 season progresses, the spotlight remains firmly on Kentucky’s rising stars. With their impressive skills and potential for growth, Antonio Reeves, DJ Sheppard, and Robert Dillingham are set to be key players in the game’s landscape. Fans and players alike will be keenly watching their journeys unfold both in the virtual court and in the real NBA.
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