3 Wildcats in 2020 mock draft by ESPN

On the eve of the 2019 NBA Draft, with so many unknowns about draft order and trades, it only makes sense to start prognosticating about next year’s draft, right?

As the dust starts to settle from college players making their decisions about next season, we have a better feel of who might be available for the draft in 2020.

Three Kentucky Wildcats will be selected in the first round later this month, barring something completely unexpected happening. Tyler Herro, Keldon Johnson, and PJ Washington are sure to hear their names called on June 20th, and they could potentially be paving the way for another trio next season.

ESPN’s newest mock draft for 2020 also has three Wildcats going off the board in the opening round. Unfortunately for Kentucky’s returning big guys, Jonathan Givony and Mike Schmitz of ESPN believe Kentucky’s back court will emerge as the stars next year for John Calipari.

The first Wildcat they believe will come off the board is freshman combo-guard Tyrese Maxey at No. 12. With both Ashton Hagans and Immanuel Quickley returning, Maxey is set to play more off the ball than at the point. His scoring ability is projected to be on another level, and if that is the case he very well may be a lottery pick.

The next projected Kentucky player is wing Kahlil Whitney at No. 20. Whitney is a rising star that could certainly come in and separate himself from the pack. I am sure that he has his eyes on the lottery, and I am sure he will be working this summer to prove himself this season.

The final Wildcat in this mock draft is the only returning player listed on the board. Ashton Hagans is currently projected as the No. 29 pick, which I am sure would entice him to make the jump to the NBA.

Notable omissions from this list are newcomers Johnny Juzang and Keion Brooks, as well as returners EJ Montgomery and Nick Richards. In fact, none of those guys even appear in the second round.

Which Wildcats do you see playing their way into the league in the 2020 draft?