Kentucky is reportedly not expected to be in the mix for NBA two-way player Trentyn Flowers, according to sources.
Flowers, who has taken an unconventional path by pursuing professional opportunities rather than the traditional college route, had been loosely linked to a potential return to the NCAA ranks. But as of now, it doesn’t appear that Kentucky is among the schools actively pursuing him.
This development aligns with what we’ve seen from Kentucky in recent years under a shifting college basketball landscape. While the Wildcats have long been known for landing top-tier high school talent and preparing them for the NBA, the emergence of alternative pro pathways-like the G League Ignite, Overtime Elite, and international stints-has changed the recruiting game. Programs now have to balance traditional recruiting with monitoring the movement of players like Flowers, who operate outside the standard high school-to-college pipeline.
Flowers’ name had surfaced as a potential addition for programs looking to bolster their rosters midseason, especially given his professional experience. But for Kentucky, who already boasts a deep and talented roster, the fit may not have been ideal from a timing or developmental standpoint.
It’s worth noting that Flowers remains a high-upside talent with versatility and size on the wing, traits that could still draw interest from other programs-particularly those in need of an immediate impact player with pro-level experience. For now, though, it seems Kentucky is staying focused on the pieces already in place as they continue to navigate a competitive SEC slate and look toward March.
This is just another example of how fluid roster construction has become in the modern era of college basketball. With the transfer portal, NIL, and pro options all in play, teams like Kentucky are constantly adapting. And while Flowers won’t be donning a Wildcats jersey, his trajectory is still one to watch as the season unfolds.