Multiple UK players and recruits listed in ESPN’s 2020 Mock Draft

As multiple top-recruits make their way to Lexington for Friday’s Big Blue Madness, the Kentucky Wildcats appear to have several of next year’s commits in ESPN’s 2020 NBA mock draft. Along with the Kentucky commits, there are also many recruits of which Kentucky has shown much interest.

As far as relevance to Kentucky, the list is rather long.

James Wiseman (Undecided)

• First Overall
• Sacramento Kings

Jaden McDaniels (Undecided)

• Third Overall
• Phoenix Suns

Khalil Whitney (Committed)

• Seventh Overall
• Dallas Mavericks

Matthew Hurt (Undecided)

• 16th Overall
• Portland Trailblazers

Tyrese Maxey (Committed)

• 21st Overall
• Indiana Pacers

Vernon Carey (Undecided)

• 22nd Overall
• Orlando Magic

Ashton Hagans (Rostered)

• 36th Overall
• Charlotte Hornets

Nick Richards (Rostered)

• 45th Overall
• Los Angeles Lakers

The emphasis of landing Wiseman is obvious, considering he seems to be the unanimous top selection in the 2020 NBA draft. However, receiving a commitment from McDaniels would be a solid consolation prize and wouldn’t come as much of a shock considering the amount of miles head coach John Calipari has flown recently.

Whitney has star potential on what should be a position-friendly roster next fall. While Hurt’s absence at Big Blue Madness is discouraging, he reportedly still plans on visiting Lexington.

Landing Maxey early seems to have been a home run for the Cats, not only for his ability on the court but the active recruiting he’s done off the hardwood. He’s been a major voice on social media and will certainly be persuasive on Friday night.

Speaking of Friday night, Carey will be in Rupp Arena alongside Wiseman. The two are rumored to be interested in playing together and what an accomplishment that would be for Calipari.

Instead of spectating, the final two players listed in this mock will be bouncing the ball Friday night. ESPN apparently projects Hagans as a two-year player and Richards as a three-year.

While it’s extremely doubtful Calipari lands every single one of these targets, landing just a couple would bolster what is expected to be yet another stout recruiting class.