After last nights NBA Draft the former Kentucky Basketball stars learned where they would start their professional career.
De’Aaron Fox, Malik Monk and Bam Adebayo were all lottery picks showing Kentucky Basketball’s dominance. After these three were taken that marked 17 lottery picks taken in the eight seasons John Calipari has been coach. Once again this shows Calipari is the guy who best prepares players for the league.
De’Aaron Fox
Going number five overall to the Sacramento Kings, Fox was the 12th player taken in the top 10 in the Calipari era. Going to a young team like the Kings, he will be a star in the making. Forming a backcourt of himself and Buddy Hield gives the Kings a lot of promise and youth. Fox’s speed and ability to create with Hield’s sharpshooter mentality will go hand in hand offensively.
The Kings also have former Kentucky big men Willie Cauley-Stein and Skal Labissiere. The three Wildcats on the roster will represent Big Blue Nation very well in the NBA. Look for Fox to come in the league making an immediate impact for Sacramento. Even if it isn’t right away, look for Fox to help make the Kings a contender again.
Malik Monk
Falling to 11th overall to the Charlotte Hornets, Monk was considered a steal for Michael Jordan’s Hornets. Playing along side of Kemba Walker and a veteran center in Dwight Howard will help Monk’s transition to the league. His freakish athletic ability and elite shooting from outside with a tenacious guard like Walker will give teams fits. Look for the Hornets to be competitive in the Eastern Conference in the near future.
Monk will also be joining former Kentucky basketball star Michael Kidd-Gilchrist from 2012’s National Championship team. That will make the Hornets one of six NBA teams with multiple Kentucky players. Monk getting a chance to learn from the best ever in Michael Jordan will be great for him. Look for Malik to elevate his game and get the Hornets to the playoffs again.
Bam Adebayo
Closing out the draft lottery at 14th overall to the Miami Heat was Kentucky big man Bam Adebayo. Sharing a frontcourt one of the leagues best shot blockers in Hassan Whiteside will help him immensely. Adebayo and Whiteside will bring a lot of size and power to the post for the Heat. He will also be joining a great scorer in Dion Waiters and Goran Dragic running the point. Barely missing the playoffs last season, Adebayo could be the force that takes the Heat over the hump.
Going to the Heat was a great fit for Adebayo. He is going to an organization run by former Kentucky legend and NBA Hall of Famer Pat Riley. Going to a well respected team like the Heat starts Adebayo’s career off on the right foot. Although he may not start right away, look for Bam to make his mark on the Heat in the near future.
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This draft is another showing of John Calipari’s greatness. In his time as Kentucky he has produced 24 first round picks, which is more than anyone else in that time. Although many frown on the one and done culture, Cal continues to show why he’s the best at it. He and Big Blue Nation now have three more Cats to follow for years to come.