With Kentucky’s roster essentially set for the upcoming season, many fans have turned their focus to the 2026 NBA Draft. Two former Wildcats, Jayden Quaintance and Otega Oweh, are hoping to hear their names called next week.
Where Experts Predict Jayden Quaintance Will Be Drafted
Despite playing only four games at Kentucky because of a knee injury, Quaintance is still expected to be a first-round pick. His combination of size, athleticism, and defensive potential has kept him firmly on NBA radars.
Here is where some analysts have Quaintance being selected:
ESPN’s Jeremy Woo called Quaintance an “obvious first-round talent” if healthy.
The biggest question surrounding Quaintance is his health. Scouts love his defensive upside, shot-blocking ability, length, and athleticism, but teams will want confidence that his knee has fully recovered before investing a first-round pick.
Where Experts Predict Otega Oweh Will Be Drafted
Oweh’s draft outlook is less certain, with most projections placing him late in the second round. Some analysts believe he could also go undrafted and earn an opportunity through the NBA Summer League.
Here is where major draft analysts have Oweh landing:
Analysts praise Oweh’s athleticism, ability to attack the basket, transition scoring, and defensive versatility. However, concerns about his outside shooting and shot creation have kept him from climbing higher on draft boards.
Regardless of where they are selected, Kentucky appears likely to add at least one more player to its growing list of NBA talent. Now, all that’s left is to see where Quaintance and Oweh begin their professional careers.
First Round: Tuesday, June 23 at 8:00 p.m. ET (Broadcast: ABC, ESPN)
Second Round: Wednesday, June 24 at 8:00 p.m. ET (Broadcast: ESPN)
Read the full article here