It is late January, which means NBA scouts are starting to finalize their tiers for the 2026 NBA Draft. For Kentucky, the picture is complicated by injuries, but the talent is undeniable.
Here is where the Wildcats stand in the latest mock draft buzz.
Jayden Quaintance: The lottery question mark
- Projected: Top 5-10
- The Stock Watch: Holding Steady.
Despite the ACL injury that has sidelined him and the swelling that has slowed his return, Quaintance’s stock hasn't plummeted the way you might expect. NBA teams draft on potential, and a big man with his footwork, passing ability, and rim protection is a unicorn.
Most scouts still view him as a Top-10 lock. The medicals at the combine will be crucial, and if he can return this season to Kentucky, he will really jump up the boards even more.
Otega Oweh is at a standstill
- Projected: 2nd round-undrafted
- The Stock Watch: Buying.
Oweh returned, looking to help himself. His season started pretty rough. He entered the year as a potential second-rounder, but fell after a rough personal and team start. NBA teams covet "3-and-D" wings who can guard multiple positions. Oweh has proven he is an elite on-ball defender in the SEC when engaged, and his offensive efficiency (19 points and 34 percent from deep in conference play) has answered the questions about his scoring package. Expect him to start to climb if his performances stay on this level, but he hasn't reached 1st round status just yet.
Jasper Johnson: The wildcard
- Projected: 2nd round
- The Stock Watch: Wait and See.
The freshman has flashed brilliance at times, but immaturity at others, and scouts are split. Some see a microwave scorer who needs one more year to physically mature; others see a lottery talent who just needs spacing and the ball in his hands. If he finishes the season hot, he could sneak into the late first round, but a return to Lexington might be his best move for a Top-10 grade in 2027.
No one else has really cracked the top 75 prospects just yet, so it is clear that a lot of the talent on the team could potentially return in 2026.