If Bleacher Report’s latest 2026 NBA Mock Draft is on the money, then buckle up, Big Blue Nation — Kentucky Basketball could be in for a monster season.
NBA Draft insider Jonathan Wasserman rolled out his updated two-round mock draft on Tuesday morning, and three Wildcats made the cut. That includes one lottery lock, one rising sophomore, and one veteran leader looking to finally break through.
Kentucky’s Projected 2026 NBA Draft Picks
No. 4 — Jayden Quaintance | Brooklyn Nets
No. 38 — Kam Williams | Portland Trail Blazers
No. 57 — Otega Oweh | Houston Rockets
Jayden Quaintance: Lottery Hype at 18 Years Old
It’s no surprise to see Jayden Quaintance near the top of every draft board. The 6-foot-9 forward, who just turned 18 in July, is already viewed as a potential top-five pick despite recovering from a torn ACL. Scouts love his size, versatility, and long-term upside. If he plays anywhere near a lottery level this season, Kentucky’s ceiling skyrockets.
Kam Williams: The Wildcard
The bigger surprise is sophomore wing Kam Williams, mocked at No. 38 to Portland. The 6-foot-8 Tulane transfer was already pegged as a 3-and-D prospect, but if he’s climbing into NBA conversations this early, it means he’s breaking out. On a Kentucky roster packed with talent at his position, Williams emerging as a borderline first-rounder would be a massive sign for the Wildcats’ depth and dominance.
Otega Oweh: The Veteran Bet
Finally, there’s Otega Oweh — Kentucky’s heart-and-soul returnee. After earning All-SEC Second Team honors in 2024-25, Oweh came back to boost his draft stock and prove he’s more than just a physical force. Scouts want to see him polish his offensive game, but his leadership and steady improvement each year keep him firmly on draft boards. Don’t be surprised if he plays his way up higher than No. 57.
What It Means for Kentucky
Three Wildcats in one mock draft — including a projected lottery pick — tells you everything about the kind of season John Calipari’s squad (and his staff) expect in 2025-26. If Quaintance lives up to the hype, Williams blossoms, and Oweh puts it all together, Kentucky might just have the firepower to chase banner No. 9.
