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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 —…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/uconns-castle-kentucky-duo-tennessees-060324921.html
Author : Associated Press
Publish date : 2024-06-21 06:03:24
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