Kentucky fans, take a deep breath. The Wildcats’ historic NBA Draft first-round streak may have ended in 2025, but the next wave of Big Blue stars is ready to take over. Mark Pope has quickly reloaded his roster with talent that has NBA executives circling Lexington already.
Here are 4 Kentucky Wildcats poised to storm the 2026 NBA Draft, including a stunning new freshman who hasn’t even suited up yet — but could still go higher than anyone else.
4. Jaland Lowe – Floor General With Something to Prove
After a strong sophomore year at Pittsburgh, Jaland Lowe is transferring to Kentucky with one goal in mind — prove he’s a first-round guard. Lowe is a confident playmaker, a deadly pull-up shooter, and has the basketball IQ to command an offense at the next level.
His size and rim pressure may raise some draft-day questions, but another leap under Pope’s system could vault him firmly into the first-round conversation.
3. Otega Oweh – The Explosive Veteran Who Stayed for More
Otega Oweh could’ve gone pro this year. Many had him pegged as a second-rounder. But he made a bold move — staying at Kentucky for one more run. That decision could make him millions.
Oweh is one of the most athletic two-way wings in college hoops. He plays with power, defends like a pro, and thrives in transition. If his shooting improves even slightly, NBA scouts will be lining up to take him in the first round.
2. Jayden Quaintance – The Young Big With Old-School Dominance
Jayden Quaintance is only 18, but he’s already been through the fire. As a 17-year-old freshman at Arizona State, he put up 9.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game. Now at Kentucky, he’s expected to explode.
At 6’9” with elite mobility, rim protection, and finishing, Quaintance is a scout’s dream. He’s already being projected as a top-5 pick in 2026, and his upside is only rising.
1. Jasper Johnson – The New Wildcat Who’s Already on NBA Mock Draft Boards
He hasn’t even played a minute in a Kentucky jersey… and yet Jasper Johnson is already being labeled a future NBA lottery pick.
The 5-star guard out of Overtime Elite is the kind of talent that turns heads before he even hits the court. Quick, shifty, and wired to score, Johnson is drawing early comparisons to past Kentucky greats — even without John Calipari in the picture.
He’s only 6’4” and needs to bulk up, but if he earns a key scoring role as a freshman, don’t be shocked when he ends up as the first Wildcat taken next June.
