The NBA announced its list of 195 players — yes, 195 in a draft with 58 picks — that have filed as early entry candidates for the 2024 NBA Draft. Among them? Several names of interest for the Kentucky Wildcats, both past and future.
We’ll start with the most recent roster under John Calipari and the guys we knew were gone already: Reed Sheppard, Rob Dillingham and Justin Edwards. Interestingly enough, those were the only three names released by the league who played at Kentucky this past season. That means DJ Wagner, Adou Thiero, Ugonna Onyenso and Aaron Bradshaw — all players who claimed they would be testing the draft waters at one point or another this offseason — will be returning to college in 2024-25.
Wagner, Thiero and Onyenso are still considering their transfer options, though Bradshaw has already signed with Ohio State after committing on April 15. Wagner is coming off an official visit to USC while Thiero is rumored to be considering Pittsburgh and UNC for his next stop — he’s met with coaches from both schools with a decision looming. Coach Cal is recruiting both available players to join him at Arkansas, as well.
Elsewhere, Kentucky signees Lamont Butler of San Diego State, Amari Williams of Drexel and Andrew Carr of Wake Forest were all on the list as players officially testing the draft waters. They will have until Wednesday, May 29 at 11:59 p.m. ET to withdraw in order to maintain their eligibility and suit up for the Wildcats this upcoming season.
The same can be said for BYU star Jaxson Robinson — widely considered one of the top portal targets for Mark Pope and the Wildcats — who was also included on the early entry list. He declared for the draft on April 23 while maintaining his eligibility, then decided to enter the transfer portal on April 27, saying his “primary focus is still achieving my longtime dream of playing in the NBA” while remaining “100% open” regarding collegiate options. He’s currently ranked No. 55 overall in ESPN’s list of best available draft prospects with the combine scheduled for May 12-19.
Robinson averaged 14.2 points per game en route to Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year and All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors, Pope’s best player for a team that made the NCAA Tournament as a No. 6 seed.
Dayton sharpshooter Koby Brea, who is expected to commit to Kentucky in the near future, was also included on the early entry candidate list. Widely considered the best 3-point specialist in the portal, he has narrowed down his options to UK, UConn, Duke, North Carolina and Kansas. He entered the portal back on April 15.
Click here for the full list of players included among those who have applied for early entry into the 2024 NBA Draft, which will be held Wednesday, June 26 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
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