The college hoops season is still three months away, but as usual, a wealth of NBA talent should be on display in Lexington.
Bleacher Report has released a way-too-early big board for the 2018 NBA Draft, and it features four Kentucky Wildcats in the top 25.
23. Jarred Vanderbilt
B/R likes Vanderbilt’s versatility, saying “He offers a unique mix of rebounding and playmaking to the power forward spot. At 6'9" with 7'1" length, Vanderbilt likes to handle the ball and pass off the dribble.”
16. Kevin Knox
Again, it’s all about the versatility with Knox, and being able to play away from the basket despite his height.
At 6'9", he's skilled enough to shoot the three or separate into pull-ups and step-backs around the perimeter. And he picks up buckets off agile drives and smooth finishes at the rim.
15. Nick Richards
Richards receives praise for his ability to play close to the basket, both on offense and defense.
With near 7'0" size, 7'4" length and light feet, he's a target off rim runs, rolls and dives, and he's capable of scoring with jump hooks and one-handers around the key.
13. Hamidou Diallo
Diallo is a highlight reel machine, but B/R says it’ll be what other skills he shows that determines how high he’ll climb up draft boards.
He'll create highlights and conversation all season with explosive drives and finishes. Whether he can rise up draft boards will come down to how much skill and poise he demonstrates. Diallo is a capable mid-range scorer, but needs to tighten his handle and improve his shooting.
In-conference opponent Michael Porter Jr. is Bleacher Report’s No. 1 big board prospect. You can read the rest of the big board here, which further explains the placement of each Wildcat and features the rest of their top 30.
Earlier this week, the Westgate Las Vegas Superbook tabbed Kentucky and Duke as the co-favorites to win the 2018 NCAA Tournament. To no surprise, thy’re also two of the deepest teams in terms of NBA talent, as Duke sports three projected first-round picks.
Having a lot of NBA talent doesn’t always equate to winning in college, but more often than not, it does in Lexington, and it looks like the Cats have plenty of it again next season.
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