Chicago Bulls two-way player Trentyn Flowers is back on the radar - not just for NBA fans, but now for major college basketball programs as well. Despite already logging minutes in eight NBA games this season, Flowers is reportedly being recruited by a host of top-tier NCAA schools, including blue bloods like Kentucky and Kansas.
It’s a rare twist in a basketball journey that’s already been anything but conventional. Flowers, a 6-foot-8 wing with length, athleticism, and a versatile skill set, was a top-25 recruit in the 2023 class. He originally committed to Louisville, but instead of suiting up in the college ranks, he chose to begin his professional career early - a move that’s becoming more common among elite prospects looking to fast-track their development.
Now, with some pro experience under his belt - including those eight appearances with the Bulls - Flowers is reportedly being pursued by a wide range of programs: Kentucky, Kansas, Florida, Michigan, BYU, Texas Tech, LSU, Washington, Indiana, and USC have all reached out, according to reports.
What makes this situation so unique is that Flowers isn’t your typical high school recruit or even a college transfer. He’s a pro - technically under contract with an NBA team - and yet, NCAA programs are actively recruiting him. It’s a sign of how much the landscape has changed in recent years, with eligibility rules, NIL opportunities, and professional pathways all evolving at warp speed.
For Flowers, the interest makes sense. He’s still just 19, with a tantalizing mix of size and skill.
He’s shown flashes in his limited NBA minutes, and teams at the college level clearly believe there’s untapped potential to develop. Whether he ultimately returns to the college game or stays the course in the pros remains to be seen, but what’s clear is this: Trentyn Flowers is a name to watch - again.
And for programs like Kentucky and Kansas, who are always looking to reload with elite talent, the chance to bring in a player with pro-level experience and upside is the kind of opportunity that doesn’t come around often.