The Big Blue Lowdown

People who follow the Kentucky Wildcats have to be pretty pleased with so many players opting to return to school. Guys like Willie Cauley-Stein, Marcus Lee, Alex Poythress, Andrew Harrison and Aaron Harrison all had chances to be first-round picks if they declared. Instead, the focus is now on those who are eligible for the upcoming draft. 

There are 2 potential lottery picks, and they could take off in fantasy basketball at the NBA right away if they land on the right team.

All season long, the heart and soul of the Kentucky team was freshman Julius Randle. He was highly regarded out of high school, and he really seemed to step things up on big stages. He is pretty much a lock to be a top 10 pick, even though there are concerns about his size at the NBA level. He is listed at 6’9” and 250 pounds, but his relatively short wingspan could be problematic against bigger bodies at the NBA player. His strength, offensive skill and rebounding ability makes him someone teams covet. Boston and Los Angeles seem like the two likeliest landing spots for him at this time, although things can obviously change with trades.

James Young did not really come on until late in the season, but he projects as a pretty serviceable player in fantasy basketball. He is a guy who can score in a variety of ways, and his outside shooting could really floor at the NBA level. He was largely overlooked coming in to Kentucky because there was so much other talent on the roster. However, scouts love his size and his ability to play some solid defense as well. He is a solid 6'7", and many have compared him to a bigger Arron Afflalo. Ironically, the Orlando Magic with the 12th overall pick could possibly consider him as the heir apparent to Afflalo. Minnesota, Phoenix, Atlanta and Chicago all have picks in the teens with a need for his position. He probably does not slip any lower than 16th overall.