Updated ESPN Mock Draft Has 3 Wildcats Going in First Round

On3 imageby:Zack Geoghegan09/24/19

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(Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports)

LaMelo Ball might be the topic of conversation in the 2020 NBA Draft world, but Kentucky is still making a great showing in ESPN‘s updated mock draft.

According to Jonathan Givony, three Wildcats – Kahlil Whitney, Tyrese Maxey, and Ashton Hagans – are all projected as first-round picks in next year’s draft with Whitney and Maxey expected to go in the lottery.

Givony and ESPN slot Whitney at No. 12 heading to the Detroit Pistons and Maxey at No. 14 joining the Dallas Mavericks. Hagans was listed just outside of the second round, coming in at No. 30 overall to the Boston Celtics.

*The predicted teams to land these players are mostly irrelevant, as standings will shift throughout the course of the season before heading into the Draft Lottery when the order is officially decided.*

Givony noted that an excellent showing this summer at the Nike Skills Academy has propelled Whitney up to No. 12 and slightly ahead of Maxey. And while another Kentucky freshman, Johnny Juzang, isn’t tabbed to go in the first two-rounds, Givony still notes that he could eventually turn into a first-round pick.

Kentucky’s open practice on Oct. 6 will surely host a slew of NBA scouts looking to get a live look at the next generation of NBA players to come out of Lexington. I wouldn’t be surprised to find a couple more Wildcats on this list as we move along into the season.

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