Kentucky Basketball: 5 Wildcats Invited to NBA Draft Combine

Five Kentucky Basketball players have been invited to participate in the NBA Combine.

It has been said that if a player does not get an invite to the NBA Combine, there’s a very good chance that they will not be getting picked by an NBA team in the Draft. Fortunately, for five of the Kentucky Basketball players who chose to declare for the NBA Draft, have been invited.

Bam Adebayo, Malik Monk, De’Aaron Fox, Isaiah Briscoe, and Hamidou Diallo all have received invites. All but Diallo have hired an agent.

Isaiah Briscoe

This is a good sign for Isaiah Briscoe as he receives and invite. The Sophomore guard chose to leave after two seasons at Kentucky to chase his NBA Dreams. Briscoe had declared last season after his freshman campaign, participated in the Combine and decided to return. However, that is not an option this time around as the New Jersey naive has hired an agent. Isaiah Briscoe listed at No. 89 on Draft Express’ top 100 prospects list. The website’s 2017 mock draft does not include the Kentucky sophomore guard. Briscoe will need to use his time at the combine to network and try and improve his draft stock.

Malik Monk

Malik Monk is a superstar and will be a certain lottery pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. The freshman shooting guard led the Wildcats in scoring during the season. Draft Express lists Monk at No. 6 on the top 100 prospects list. Mock Drafts have Monk coming off of the board at No. 7 to the New York Knicks. Monk will use the Combine in order to improve that draft stock and try to move up into the top five.

De’Aaron Fox

De’Aaron Fox is though of as the first Kentucky Basketball player to be taken off of the board. Draft Express lists him as the No. 5 prospect and has him being drafted by the Orlando Magic at No. 5 as well. Fox has proven himself to be an elite point guard. A tall, athletic frame with an improved jump shot will allow Fox to be successful in any scheme. His ability to drive to the basket can make the mouths of NBA Executives water.

Bam Adebayo

Bam Adebayo’s situation had Kentucky Basketball Fans hopeful for a return. Recently, the Kentucky big man announced that he will continue with his intentions to try and make the jump to the NBA. Bam is listed at No. 34 overall in the Top 100. Also, Draft Express has Adebayo coming off of the board in the second round at No. 31 to the Atlanta Hawks. After the NBA Combine, Bam just might creep up into the first round. He will test and measure well. Once NBA Executives get an eye on the Kentucky Basketball big man, someone will want to snag him early.

Hamidou Diallo

Hamidou Diallo is the lone Kentucky Basketball player to be invited to the NBA Combine that has not yet hired an agent. Diallo, enrolled at Kentucky in January and was eligible immediately to play. But, John Calipari and Diallo came to the conclusion that he should only practice with the team in preparation for the 2017-18 season. With great talent comes with curiosity as the freshman decided to enter the draft to test the waters.

What’s great about the NBA Combine, scouts and executives will give the young man feedback as to where he is with his game. That feedback will make or break the decision for Diallo.

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Draft Express has Diallo currently sitting at No. 33 in their mock draft to the Orlando Magic. The website also lists Diallo at No. 22 in the early 2018 Mock Draft. Its mixed reviews for the talented guard as he will try and make the best decision for himself and his family.

The Combine will take place May 9-14. Players (Diallo) will have until May 24, 10 days after the combine to decide whether or not they will remain in the NBA Draft.