Kentucky Wildcats head men's basketball coach John Calipari will lose seven players to the NBA Draft.
According to ESPN, the team held a press conference Thursday afternoon to announce the draft declarations of Karl-Anthony Towns, Willie Cauley-Stein, Devin Booker, Trey Lyles, Dakari Johnson, Andrew Harrison and Aaron Harrison.
Known for producing top-tier "one-and-done" basketball prospects, Calipari's class this year stands out. Cauley-Stein, Johnson and the Harrison twins are all leaving Kentucky after multiple seasons.
In no particular order, here is where they can expect to be drafted.
1. Towns, center: Possibly the top overall pick and easily the best of the three centers in Kentucky's draft class. While not an elite scorer in the low post - like Duke's Jahlil Okafor - Towns is the most complete center prospect in the draft. The only thing about his game left to be desired is a lack of bulk in his seven-foot frame, which has rarely ever been a problem for a 19-year-old.
2. Cauley-Stein, center: He may be the third-best center in the draft, but in this class that still translates into a top-10 selection. Cauley-Stein has terrific athleticism for a seven-footer, making him a versatile defender. He can also develop into an offensive force if he refines his low-post game.
3. Johnson, center: Has size and age on his size, but his game is far less refined overall than his teammates. Johnson has proved he does the gritty work a traditional center should be responsible for. He probably will not be a franchise center, but he is a strong rebounder and a good passer.
4. Trey Lyles, forward: He fits into today's NBA nicely as a wing player who can score in a variety of ways. He will need to improve on defense, a trait he could help himself out on by adding some strength.
5. Aaron and Andrew Harrison, guards: Both were considered "one-and-done" type players a year ago, but stuck around for another season. Both have excellent size and play defense well, but have struggled with inconsistency, which could hold them back in the draft. Aaron is considered a shooting guard and has displayed great versatility on offense in addition to a knack for hitting big shots. Andrew is the better ball handler and also exhibited good offensive versatility.
6. Devin Booker, guard: Possibly the best shooting guard in the draft, he still projects to be taken towards the middle of the first round. At six-foot-six, he can also play on the wing, but his main draw is his offense. He should be an effective shooter in the NBA right away thanks to his advanced "basketball IQ."
