Kentucky guard Rob Dillingham declares for 2024 NBA Draft

During an appearance on NBA Today on Tuesday, Kentucky guard Rob Dillingham declared for the 2024 NBA Draft. Dillingham now joins a long line of one-and-done products from head coach John Calipari.

In his lone season at Kentucky, Dillingham averaged 15.2 points, 2.9 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game while shooting 47.5% from the field and 44.3% from beyond the arc. For his efforts, he was named the 2024 SEC Player of the Year and an All-SEC Second Team member.

Dillingham has signed a representation agreement with Klutch Sports Group agency. He is excited for the next step in his journey.

“This was a decision I made with my family,” Dillingham told ESPN. “I felt prepared. Coach Calipari taught me a lot about how to be a better teammate and that it was not all about me.

“It was an up-and-down season with a lot of great moments,” Dillingham said. “We won a lot of games with a young team. It was a great learning experience, and it was amazing to share it with my teammates. I learned how to be for everyone; that’s what wins games. Coach Cal has done a lot for Kentucky. I feel like he’s a great coach. Wherever he goes, he’ll be a great coach.”

Calipari is reportedly signing a five-year contract with Arkansas, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. The 65-year-old head coach spent 15 seasons at Kentucky, where he tallied a 410-122 record, three Final Four appearances in 2011, 2014 and 2015 and a national title in 2012.

Dillingham was part of his final class at Kentucky, including fellow freshmen Justin Edwards, Reed Sheppard, DJ Wagner, Aaron Bradshaw, Zvonimir Ivisic, Jordan Burks and Joey Hart. Edwards is the only other Kentucky freshman to declare for the draft thus far.

Rob Dillingham played high school basketball at Overtime Elite, where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 16 overall recruit in the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Dillingham feels prepared for whatever is ahead.

“It doesn’t matter what pick I am, if I get picked 60th. I want to go to a team that trusts me and can help me build, and I can build with them, and make me better. I just want to help my team win, and they can develop me and teach me things.

“Anyone can be special if they put their mind toward it. Just have confidence. It’s about what you put your mind into.”