Mock draft season is in full swing. Every year, projections flood social media, sparking endless debates about which players are ranked too high, too low, or just right.
Bleacher Report just dropped its final 2026 NBA Mock Draft before the college season tips off — and several Kentucky Wildcats made the cut.
Jayden Quaintance Cracks the Top Five
Leading the way for Kentucky is Jayden Quaintance, projected as the No. 4 overall pick to the Charlotte Hornets.
Quaintance just turned 18 and has logged barely 20 college games after tearing his ACL last February. Still, his upside has NBA scouts buzzing.
At nearly seven feet tall, he’s a rim-protector and interior finisher who rarely misses around the basket. In his freshman season at Arizona State, Quaintance shot an efficient 60% from the field and averaged 2.6 blocks per game. His limited experience hasn’t stopped teams from dreaming big about his potential in Lexington.
That said, Kentucky still hasn’t confirmed a return date from his injury, meaning his top-five projection is built more on potential than proven production.
Kam Williams Rises Into Second-Round Territory
Next up, Kam Williams checks in at No. 38 to the Portland Trail Blazers.
The 6-foot-8 sharpshooter transferred from Tulane after knocking down 41.2% of his threes last season. Coaches and scouts alike view him as a versatile “3-and-D” option who can guard multiple positions while stretching the floor.
Williams has also been training with none other than Stephen Curry, who has praised his shooting confidence. With that type of mentorship, it’s easy to see why Williams could soar up draft boards this year.
Otega Oweh Sneaks Into the Second Round
Finally, Otega Oweh rounds out Kentucky’s group as the No. 57 pick to the Houston Rockets, where he’d join former Wildcat Reed Sheppard.
Oweh nearly stayed in last year’s draft and likely would’ve landed a contract, but he returned to Kentucky for one more season. Many expect a breakout year from the athletic forward, with his growth drawing lofty comparisons to Tim Duncan’s statistical leap at Wake Forest.
His age (he’ll be 23 on draft night) could push him down boards, but Kentucky fans believe he’s capable of an SEC Player of the Year-type campaign — if he sharpens his shooting touch.
Big Picture for Kentucky
Whether it’s a top-five lock like Quaintance, a rising sniper like Williams, or a late-round sleeper in Oweh, Kentucky continues to churn out NBA-level talent.
Head coach Mark Pope has wasted no time rebuilding the program into a draft pipeline, and this year’s class looks poised to add to the Wildcats’ storied legacy.
