5 SEC players with first-round NBA Draft potential
Some years, the Kentucky Wildcats have five first-round NBA Draft prospects all by themselves. This year, though, has been different.
The Wildcats still have as many as four first-round candidates, but only two are likely to be sure things should they declare.
However, that doesn’t mean the SEC is lacking in first-round talent, as there should be plenty of players who hear their names called early in the draft, continuing a trend. The SEC has had multiple first-round picks every year since being shut out in 2009.
- 2017: 3 first-round picks (all Kentucky)
- 2016: 5 first-round picks (including No. 1 Ben Simmons)
- 2015: 6 first-round picks (including No. 1 Karl-Anthony Towns)
- 2014: 2 first-round picks
- 2013: 3 first-round picks
- 2012: 8 first-round picks (including first three picks)
- 2011: 2 first-round picks
- 2010: 5 first-round picks (all 5 Kentucky, including No. 1 John Wall)
- 2009: 0 first-round picks
Here’s a quick look at five players who will likely head to NBA after this season:
1. Michael Porter Jr., F, Missouri
Porter was one of the most-heralded recruits in Mizzou history, but his college career might be over after only two minutes. He scored two points in those two minutes before injuring his back, so if you project that out (ridiculous, I know) over about 30 minutes a game, he’d be averaging 30 points.
He has talked in recent weeks about returning this season, but since he is seemingly a consensus top-five pick, it would appear the risks of him returning outweigh the reward.
The Tigers would love to have him back next season, but the NBA is calling, and it might be too good for Porter to pass up.
2. Collin Sexton, G, Alabama
Sexton, also a freshman, was the No. 1-rated point guard in the 2017 class. He is an all-around great player, but what makes him special is his competitive edge. When the Crimson Tide faced Oklahoma and star guard Trae Young earlier this year, Sexton out-dueled him, leading the Tide to a victory.
Sexton’s ability to play with the ball in his hands and as a slasher who can get to the rim with ease make him an intriguing NBA prospect. He’s also 6-3, bigger than Young. Plays like this show he’s ready to play at the next level:
Collin Sexton in transition. FILTHY 🔥 pic.twitter.com/15vBFFEUrc
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) February 10, 2018
If he finishes the year strong, he could work himself into the top 10.
3. Kevin Knox, F, Kentucky
Knox, a 6-7 freshman, isn’t the home-run prospect Kentucky has produced in recent years, but his size and athleticism make him a near-lock to be drafted in the first round.
However, scouts will want to see more consistency down the stretch. Though Knox has scored 20 or more points six times, he’s also scored fewer than 10 points six times.
His inconsistent play is a microcosm of Kentucky’s season, and it’ll be interesting to see if he can turn things around. Kentucky’s NCAA Tournament hopes might hang in the balance. The Wildcats have a big opportunity tonight, at No. 10 Auburn.
4. Robert Williams, F/C, Texas A&M
Interestingly, Williams is drawing comparisons to DeAndre Jordan, another former Aggie. That’s understandable, as Williams leads the SEC in rebounds per game (9.5) and is second with 2.4 blocks per night.
Williams’ sophomore season has been remarkably similar to his freshman year, and NBA teams will value that consistency. He isn’t going to score a ton of points (averaging 10.8 points per game this year), but at 6-10, 241, he can serve as a defensive anchor and will get second-chance points off offensive rebounds.
5. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, G, Kentucky
Kentucky signed six 5-star prospects in 2017. Gilgeous-Alexander was their seventh-ranked signee and a 4-star.
Coach John Calipari has been very complimentary of SGA recently, and it’s easy to see why. In addition to averaging 13.1 points per game, SGA is also fourth in the SEC in assists (4.6) and third in steals (1.7).
As a 6-6 point guard, NBA teams will love Gilgeous-Alexander’s size and versatility, and he could work his way into the 10-15 range in the first round.
On the fringe: Jarred Vanderbilt, Kentucky; Hamidou Diallo, Kentucky; Jontay Porter, Mizzou; Daniel Gafford, Arkansas
Have to include Jalen Hudson on that list! Many think he could be late first round.
lol OMG this former Aggie stuff is getting out of hand! How many times must we remind you SDS writers? There….is…..no….such….thing…..as….a..former….A-G-G-I-E..
To add insult to injury your sentence didn’t even make sense grammatically.
“Interestingly, Williams is drawing comparisons to DeAndre Jordan, another former Aggie.” When did Williams become an Alumnus?
I live in Texas and I have been told by many Aggies, “There are no ex-Aggies, only former Aggies.” I can share names of the alumni if you want to have it out with them.
As a Houston transplant from Florida, I can vouch for Irenaus’ statement.
Your reference point must be off base. There is no such thing as a “former” or an “ex” Aggie. Once an Ag always an Ag.
BrahMane where in Houston are you talking about? I’m from Katy and I can assure you we have a large alumni base in the west and northwest parts of the city. Most will tell you the same as me. Once an Aggie always an Aggie. We do have former “students”, however. I hope that helps.
So being an Aggie is kind of like having herpes…
ekinggill88- The first time I heard it was in The Woodlands which sparked a heated convo along the lines of this subject. I feel like I’ve stirred a pot or two since then to get another answer similar to it. Also, I don’t know why “Once an Ag always an Ag” is unlike any other school proud of it’s history.
ruff- this is why we cannot have nice things…
BrahMane-Hey From the outside looking in you can’t understand it. From the inside looking out you can’t explain it. 4th generation Ag it’s just another thing we’ve always held true to. Traditions at Texas A&M are what makes our university unique.
Ruff-How many sleepless nights did it take for you to come up with that that grade school joke?
ekinggill88 – “Hey From the outside looking in you can’t understand it. From the inside looking out you can’t explain it.”
Then, why would you make such a big deal about it if we can’t understand it?
Heaven help me.
Irenaus-Why would you open your mouth and speak on something you can’t/don’t understand?
I going through this post and noting the scary teams in the SEC tournament this year. Here’s TAMU’s. I don’t care about the NBA yet.
I wonder where Austin Wiley will fall. He was likely 1st round before having to sit out the year.
Daniel Gafford on the fringe? He’s scouted as the #19 draft pick. This is my last time coming to SDS. Garbage reporting. Get good at your job, dude.
Relax. Projections are just projections. Ask Apple.
It’s unusual to have a one and done with a 4.0 GPA but that is Collin Sexton. He could use a lot more polish at PG but the pressure to go pro is overwhelming to some.
Bama is a scary team. They could do damage in the tourney while others are looking elsewhere.
Also could miss out on the tourney, next 2 games are @KY and @AU.No way in hell is bama winning in Auburn.The Iron bowl presentation is at halftime too…
Hmmm Bama already beat Auburn pretty easily without their best player, so we shall see.
Plus, that Iron Bowl trophy presentation will be real awkward considering Bama went on to win the National Championship anyway.
I can (and did) make a lengthy argument why I think Michael Porter, Jr will play this year for Mizzou in the Mizzou section. So I won’t repeat myself.
Yet I do think, Jontay has great potential, but he needs another year; he’s just now 18 years old and it shows a bit in consistency and finding his place (I don’t think Mike will stay, however; although, I wish he would).
Jontay is impressive for his drive when he realizes he’s not playing up to his abilities. That is a great personal gut-check ability. He’s 6’11” and wants to play small forward, wing (or even guard sometimes). I think he’s finding his place. But he can be dominant while not being showy in the paint game. He just needs to plow his way in there and be aggressive, heck or high water.
Yante Maten could be a 1st round also.
MPJ didn’t injure his back during the 2 min he played this season, it has been injured for awhile and he finally decided to get it fixed before he gets to NBA