Kentucky guards in play for Wednesday's NBA draft

John Calipari turned Kentucky into a factory for NBA talent, including 28 one-and-done players becoming first-round picks.

Now at Arkansas, Calipari’s last crop with the Wildcats features two headlining guards in the NBA draft next week in Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham.

They’re lottery prospects in the AP NBA Mock draft. They’re part of a top tier featuring UConn’s Stephon Castle, Tennessee’s Dalton Knecht and international prospect Nikola Topic.

Here’s a look at the position:

Stephon Castle, UConn
STRENGTHS: The top-10 national recruit thrived as a combo guard with size for two-time reigning national champion UConn. The 6-foot-6, 210-pound freshman showed potential as a defender and with passing ability that could allow him to play some point. He can overpower smaller guards and he’s a proven winner, content to work as a complementary fit (11.1 points per game) who didn’t need shots to make an impact (fifth-most attempts for the Huskies) despite that lofty recruiting ranking.

“It’s just been the perfect situation for him because his draft stock is right where they want it to be right now and he’s won big,” coach Dan Hurley said before the title game. “You can still do both and everyone can win.”

CONCERNS: The jumper needs work. He made 20 of 75 3-pointers (.267) and must enhance his range to pull defenders outside.

Sheppard and Dillingham, Kentucky
STRENGTHS: When it comes to Sheppard, his shooting stroke stands out. He shot 52.1% from 3-point range while taking nearly 55% of his 263 shots from behind the arc. He made 83% of free throws and averaged 4.5 assists for potential at both guard spots. His elite potential as a catch-and-shoot threat fits today’s game that values floor spacing and 3-point efficiency.

As for Dillingham, he’s a quality scorer (15.2) and shooter (44.4% from 3) capable of creating for himself or for others with his quick first step and nifty ballhandling.

CONCERNS: Both are undersized, notably Dillingham — who doesn’t turn 20 until January — checking in at 6-1 and 164 pounds at the combine.

Dalton Knecht, Tennessee
STRENGTHS: The first-team Associated Press All-American ranked eighth in Division I in scoring (21.7) and shot 45.8%, proving reliable off the bounce, on the move and from behind the arc (39.7%) at Tennessee. He got to the line (5.7 per game) and tested well at the combine on the shuttle run (No. 1 at 2.79 seconds) and lane agility (No. 2, 10.56).

The 6-5, 212-pound fifth-year player performed well in big games, including 37 points in a loss to eventual finalist Purdue in the NCAA Elite Eight — with coach Rick Barnes calling him afterward “a flamethrower.”

“He loves the game. He works at it,” Barnes said. “It’s going to be fun going forward to watch how much he improves.”

CONCERNS: It’s unclear whether his one season under Barnes to work on his defense answered questions about his athleticism and mobility. Now 23, he’s old by NBA rookie standards.

Nikola Topic, Serbia
STRENGTHS: The 18-year-old has size (6-6, 203) and playmaking ability with vision to set up teammates and create his own shots. He can finish at the rim and is comfortable attacking the paint off the dribble, as well as pushing the ball in transition. He’s also a terrific passer who can find teammates in tight spots.

CONCERNS: Shooting range is a question. There’s also health concerns after he injured his left knee twice, with ESPN reporting earlier this month that he has a partially torn anterior cruciate ligament.



(AP Photo Matt Slocum)