A new 2026 mock NBA Draft from Bleacher Report features a pair of Wildcats being selected.
Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman has Kentucky center Jayden Quaintance going No. 4 overall.
"A torn ACL last February creates uncertainty around projections for Jayden Quaintance," Wasserman wrote. "Quaintance would warrant lottery consideration in June even if he didn't suit up at all for Kentucky. He's still younger than most freshmen, not turning 19 until after the 2026 draft. But there has been less of a rush for prospects to go pro early with NIL. While he still has to improve his shooting range and overall half-court creation, he'll offer the type of functional physical tools, instincts and potential skill set that can translate to scoring efficiency and a special defensive impact in the NBA. There are a number of different scenarios that could play out with Quaintance, depending on his return date (if at all) and intentions on starting his pro career."
Wasserman has UK incoming freshman guard Jasper Johnson projected as a second round pick at No. 39.
"Jasper Johnson could enter the one-and-done conversation with his potent shotmaking and touch shots," Wasserman wrote. "Depending on how he looks as a playmaker and if scouts question his 175-pound frame for a scoring guard, he may also have something to prove after his freshman season. Whether it's in 2026 or 2027, there should be interest in Johnson's confident shooting, uptempo pacing and instant offense."
After 10 seasons as a college head coach, Mark Pope produced his first NBA Draft picks as Kentucky guard Koby Brea and center Amari Williams were each selected in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft.
A recent mock draft from ESPN earlier this summer also has Pope picking up right were he left off.
ESPN had Quaintance going No. 6 overall to the Memphis Grizzlies and Kentucky sophomore forward and Tulane transfer Kam Williams going in the second round at No. 46.
Since 2010, no school has produced more total NBA Draft picks (51) than Kentucky. The Wildcats have had at least one player selected in 18 consecutive NBA Drafts and multiple picks in 16 straight drafts, both are the most of any school.
Since the NBA went to a two-round draft in 1989, the Wildcats now have the most players drafted overall with 67, 48 of which have come in the first round. Prior to 2025, Kentucky had a first round pick in 15 straight drafts, the longest streak in the common era.