Four Kentucky players in new ESPN 2019 mock draft

While we were all processing Kentucky’s loss to LSU last night, ESPN’s Jonathan Givony released his latest 2019 mock draft, which includes four Wildcats. Tyler Herro and Ashton Hagans make their ESPN mock draft debut in the early second round:

12. Keldon Johnson, Miami
17. PJ Washington, Brooklyn
32. Tyler Herro, Philadelphia
38. Ashton Hagans, Sacramento

Givony writes that Herro’s high basketball IQ and instincts have him rising in the draft, but he must play with more consistency if he wants to be a first-round pick.

“The next step in elevating his draft stock into sure first-round territory will be finding more consistency on the offensive end, as he has been very streaky with his jumper (35 percent from 3), even if his scoring sparks are vivid. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him ride a couple of big scoring outings in March to the NBA draft if things come together for him at the right time. But he could also look at how much a second season in college benefited his teammate PJ Washington and decide to try to make a run at the lottery in 2020.”

Speaking of PJ, his impressive run of games has Givony projecting him on the cusp of the lottery.

“He has shown significant improvement in every facet of the game, particularly his rebounding (11.5 per 40 minutes, up from 8.3), 3-point shooting and overall energy. His ability to play on the perimeter (both as a shooter and ball handler) has improved Kentucky’s spacing tremendously, giving him much more versatility projecting forward fitting into the modern game. He’s now a potential SEC Player of the Year candidate.”

As for the rest of the mock, it has all the usual suspects, including Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett go No. 1 and No. 2. After watching Zion dent a fully-inflated basketball last night, who am I to argue?

Zion Williamson had 27 PTS, 12 REB, 3 STL, 1 BLK & almost 1 popped ball during Duke’s 23-PT comeback win against Louisville! pic.twitter.com/3z9YSYgrTF

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) February 13, 2019

[ESPN]

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