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Every year, Kentucky’s Pro Day gives NBA scouts a front-row seat to evaluate the program’s elite talent. This year was no different — but while most expected names like Otega Oweh or Brandon Garrison to steal the spotlight, it was Collin Chandler who left the gym buzzing.
The sharpshooting guard didn’t just impress — he commanded attention. From the first possession, Chandler looked like a player who had outgrown the college game. His shot mechanics were flawless, his decision-making sharp, and his confidence contagious.
One NBA scout couldn’t hide his excitement after the session, saying, “He’s ready right now. You can tell he’s been working — his pace, his poise, his understanding of spacing. That’s pro-level stuff.”
Chandler’s performance was a masterclass in versatility. He hit deep threes with ease, attacked closeouts with precision, and showed an improved handle that allowed him to create off the dribble. But what truly set him apart was his maturity — the way he read defenses, communicated on both ends, and led by example when things got competitive.
With Otega Oweh sidelined as a precaution, Kentucky needed someone to step up and set the tone. Chandler did just that — barking out plays, keeping teammates locked in, and showing a level of leadership that Mark Pope later described as “infectious.”
“Collin’s one of those guys who elevates everyone around him,” Pope said. “He doesn’t need the spotlight — it just finds him because of how hard he works and how consistent he is.”
By the end of the Pro Day, several scouts were already asking for more film. They saw more than just a shooter — they saw a complete guard with NBA-ready instincts and an edge that separates good players from great ones.
Chandler’s performance wasn’t about flash. It was about control — knowing when to attack, when to create, and when to lead. And in a gym full of NBA eyes, he looked completely unfazed.
If Kentucky’s Pro Day was meant to showcase future pros, then Collin Chandler might have just made his case loud and clear. He didn’t just turn heads — he made everyone in the building believe that his time is coming sooner than anyone expected.
