Kentucky basketball: What are the chances everyone returns?

Should return, but may leave

I said earlier that PJ Washington has the most to gain by returning for his sophomore season. Jarred Vanderbilt and Hamidou Diallo are not far behind him on that list. In fact, while I may disagree, one could argue that Vanderbilt and Diallo may benefit more than Washington if they  return.

Had Jarred Vanderbilt played all season, at the level he’s capable of, he’d be a lock for the first-round of the NBA Draft. His injuries are all that’s holding him back. When healthy, this kid is an absolute monster, especially on the boards. Vanderbilt only played 14 games, but he averaged nearly 8 rebounds per contest.

I firmly believe that if Vanderbilt returns next season, and stays healthy, he will be a lottery pick in next year’s NBA Draft. Because of his injury history, I think NBA teams are very likely to pass on Vanderbilt early, and maybe avoid him all together. When you’re talking millions of dollars, NBA clubs are wary of dropping that kind of money on guys that are physically unable to play. I think Vanderbilt returns for the Cats next season.

Hamidou Diallo is the biggest question mark for me. Should he stay or should he go? No player on the Kentucky basketball team has had a more enigmatic season. Big Blue Nation has seen the best and worst of Hamidou Diallo. The kid is a freak athlete, but he makes questionable decisions and really needs to work on his jump shot.

Certain aspects of Hami’s game translate well to the NBA. There are few players better than Diallo in transition. Kentucky basketball fans were always waiting for another breakaway slam from Diallo. There’s no doubt in my mind that Diallo will declare for the NBA Draft, and I think he will ultimately keep his name in. However, there is a small part of me that thinks he’ll return next season.