:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55404919/usa_today_9695337.0.jpg)
Kentucky players De’Aaron Fox, Malik Monk and Edrice “Bam” Adebayo were all lottery picks in Thursday’s NBA Draft.
Fox was the fifth pick going to the Sacramento Kings. Monk was chosen tenth by the Charlotte Hornets. Adebayo was the last lottery choice at number fourteen picked by the Miami Heat.
Lottery picks are nothing new in the John Calipari era at UK. Thursday saw the total number of his players from UK to be picked in the lottery rise to 17. The historic run will likely not be challenged for many years to come.
17 lottery picks. Count 'em. 17 in 8 years at UK. pic.twitter.com/CIEQcVQkh8
— Scott Charlton (@Scott_Charlton) June 23, 2017
Kentucky is on another level. pic.twitter.com/HSffXP8lEm
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) June 23, 2017
With three picks in the lottery alone, @KentuckyMBB had a strong showing at the #NBADraft. https://t.co/rP36wDHHAo
— Twitter Moments (@TwitterMoments) June 23, 2017
Fox is expected to be an instant-impact player at Sacramento.
Bam on joining the Miami Heat: "It's going to be incredible. It's going to be fun." Watch his full press conference: https://t.co/LawMc1P89j pic.twitter.com/cMh4Pr5xgw
— KSTV (@KSTV_Sports) June 23, 2017
Monk should make a solid contribution for the Hornets.
Hmmmm... we like your style @AhmadMonk #BuzzCity pic.twitter.com/hLb5o6AK84
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) June 23, 2017
Adebayo was something of a surprise in the lottery. Not many mock drafts had him making that cut, but the Heat saw something in the big man.
The @MiamiHEAT select Bam Adebayo with the #14 pick in the 2017 #NBADraft! pic.twitter.com/4tGmvNhS7q
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 23, 2017
Fox was a standout at UK averaging 16.7 ppg along with 4.6 assists and only 2.4 turnovers. His blazing speed helped him dominate players like Lonzo Ball. His 39 points going heads up against Ball was one of the highlights of his season at UK.
Fox also recorded only the second ever triple double at UK in the Arizona St. game. Later Isaiah Briscoe matched the feat at Ole Miss.
Monk was an exceptional shooter for the Cats shooting a very respectable 39.7% from behind the three point line. He led UK in scoring averaging 19.8 ppg. One of the highlights of his season was a 49 point outing against North Carolina. He made 8 of 12 treys in that game including the late game dagger that sealed the game for the Cats.
Adebayo led UK in rebounding with 8 per game. He also led the Cats in double doubles with 8 including 2 in his last 4 games. His highlights include a 25 point game against Ole Miss.
No doubt the lottery express train will still be running next season for Cal’s Cats. Several UK players are expected to be in the running for a top=14 pick in that draft.