For most of the pre-draft process, the Kentucky Wildcats should’ve been expecting to have one first-round NBA Draft pick in Isaiah Jackson.
However, with the July 29th draft inching closer, another Wildcat is on the rise.
According to draft insider Chad Ford, BJ Boston is on the “rise” after a couple of impressive workouts. The 6-foot-7 guard, possessing a 6-foot-10 wingspan, is ultra-athletic, which is the likely feature of his game that has been impressive during those workouts.
After being a five-star recruit, 19-year-old Boston was widely expected to be a high first-round pick, but his time in Kentucky showed some flaws in his game, primarily his efficiency.
While that should be questioned at the next level, with the right development, he could be become an impact player.
During his lone season in Lexington, Boston averaged 11.5 points per game but shot 35.5% from the field.
On top of that, the Wildcats struggled mightily, despite having a talented roster. Head coach John Calipari has noted that with such a young roster having to quicken the pace due to Covid-19 parameters wasn’t easy for the team.
With Boston set to be a first-round pick now, there should be several teams, including the New York Knicks, who made a questionable yet rewarding jump to draft Immanuel Quickley last year, taking a long look at him.
That said, Boston’s efficiency may not quite be where it should be, but he’s working to become a better shooter. “I take pride in my shooting so I wake up everyday and try to get 1,200 makes a day,” Boston said via KSR’s Drew Franklin.
Boston shot 30% from deep as a freshman, and if he continues working at that pace, he won’t just be a first-round pick but could easily blossom into one of the best young talents in the NBA.