The Kentucky Wildcats had one of the most talented teams in the nation this past season, which is why it was such a shame that they lost to Oakland in the first round.
They will be in contention with UConn, the national champions, for the most top-five picks in the upcoming NBA Draft, and there’s a chance the Cats get two of the first five selections.
Kentucky’s very own Reed Sheppard, who was the lone player on the team to average over 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists, is pegged as the No. 2 overall pick in CBS Sports’ most recent mock draft. Rob Dillingham, the team’s second-leading scorer, was projected to be the fifth-overall player taken.
Gary Parrish was the columnist who pegged Sheppard to go second. Here’s what he had to say when predicting the standout guard to be taken by the Wizards.
“Sheppard was among the biggest surprises this season as it pertains to prospects launching themselves into the lottery conversation. Nobody had him projected as a one-and-done top-10 pick — but that’s what he’ll be after shooting 52.1% from 3-point range in his one season at Kentucky while earning CBS Sports National Freshman of the Year honors. Simply put, Sheppard is a plus-athlete who can guard his position and an elite shooter who can also dribble and pass. The floor here is very, very high. So is the ceiling,” Parrish wrote.
While Dillingham may have a higher ceiling than Sheppard, the latter had mind-blowing efficiency as a freshman, shooting 52.1% from deep and 53.6% from the field.
Both should be very solid professional players and are expected to be lottery picks in the upcoming draft. Parrish has Dillingham set to join the Spurs, which could be the perfect fit given they could use a score-first player on a team with several strong defensive players.
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