John Calipari and UK leading the pack of first-round pick factories in the NBA Draft

Kentucky players dominate the NBA Draft, more so than any other program.

That is why they rank at the top of Rivals Eric Bossi’s list of the top “first round pick factories.”

Over the last 10 years, the Kentucky Wildcats have produced 24 first-round picks, all of whom came after John Calipari landed in Lexington.

Breaking that down a little further:

• Kentucky has had three players selected #1 overall (John Wall-2010; Anthony Davis - 2012; and Karl-Anthony Towns - 2015).
• Kentucky has had seven players drafted in the top 5, and 12 in the top 10.
• Kentucky has had 17 players selected in the lottery under Calipari.
• Kentucky has had at least two first-round picks in each draft since coming to Kentucky and averages three first round picks each year.

The next closest program to Kentucky in terms of churning out first-round picks is Duke with 15 first round picks in the last 10 years. However, 14 of those have came since 2011. In comparison, Kentucky has had 19 since 2011.

Coach K and Duke have obviously gained ground on Kentucky due to a change in recruiting philosophy in Durham. Both are expected to have at least two first rounders tomorrow night, with Kentucky having Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Kevin Knox and Duke having Marvin Bagley III and Wendell Carter Jr. Grayson Allen will also likely go in the first round, but that’s not a surefire prediction.

As long as Calipari is leading the Kentucky Basketball program, expect Kentucky to keep leading the way when it comes to the NBA Draft.