In the world of college basketball, the Kentucky Wildcats have long been synonymous with NBA success. From John Wall to Anthony Davis, Devin Booker to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the program has consistently developed some of the league’s brightest stars. That tradition looks set to continue if the latest “way-too-early” 2026 NBA mock draft is any indication. Three Wildcats were included among the projected top picks, reaffirming Kentucky’s standing as a breeding ground for professional talent and igniting excitement among fans who are already buzzing about what could be a very special season in Lexington.
Even though the 2025-26 college basketball season is still months away, scouts and analysts are already getting a sense of the next wave of talent that could take the NBA by storm. While much can and likely will change between now and draft night, this early projection offers a compelling glimpse into the caliber of talent on Kentucky’s current roster. The three Wildcats named in the mock draft not only have high individual ceilings, but also the potential to come together and lead Kentucky on a deep postseason run. If their development continues at the expected trajectory, they may soon find themselves shaking hands with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver on one of the biggest nights of their young careers.
The first name on the list is freshman forward Kahlil Blackshire, a versatile 6-foot-9 athlete with a tantalizing blend of size, skill, and motor. A consensus five-star recruit out of Texas, Blackshire came to Kentucky with sky-high expectations, and he hasn’t disappointed in the early going. Scouts love his ability to guard multiple positions, handle the ball in transition, and knock down shots from the perimeter. Blackshire’s length and lateral quickness allow him to switch onto guards while remaining a formidable rim protector. In a league increasingly obsessed with two-way versatility, Blackshire fits the mold of a modern NBA forward.
Blackshire’s offensive game is still developing, but his mechanics are fluid, and he’s shown flashes of being a legitimate pick-and-pop threat. His footwork in the post and ability to make reads out of double teams have earned praise from coaches and teammates alike. He’s the type of player who might not lead the team in scoring, but whose presence is felt on every possession. Some scouts are already comparing him to a young Pascal Siakam or even a more polished version of Jonathan Isaac, assuming he remains healthy and continues to evolve his offensive skillset.
The second Kentucky player to appear in the mock draft is sophomore point guard DaShawn Riley, who returned for his second year with a renewed focus and a chip on his shoulder. Riley was a borderline first-round prospect in last year’s class, but after receiving feedback from NBA teams, he made the decision to come back and work on his weaknesses. That move is already paying dividends. Known for his lightning-quick first step and court vision, Riley has taken a noticeable leap in his decision-making and shooting consistency. He’s orchestrating the offense with poise and confidence, and his improved leadership has not gone unnoticed.
Standing at 6-foot-3 with a 6-foot-8 wingspan, Riley is the prototype for what NBA teams want at the point guard position: a floor general who can run the show but also break down defenses when necessary. His quick hands and anticipation make him a disruptive presence on the defensive end, and he’s become a vocal leader in the locker room. Several scouts believe he could rise even higher in the draft depending on how he performs in the SEC and March Madness. With shades of De’Aaron Fox in his game, Riley could become the next Kentucky point guard to make a seamless transition to the NBA.
The third Wildcat projected to go in the first round is the high-flying wing Jermaine Dupree, a name that may not be as familiar to casual fans just yet but is gaining serious traction among NBA circles. A junior with a raw but explosive game, Dupree is an athletic marvel—standing 6-foot-7 with a 45-inch vertical and a frame that looks NBA-ready. Known primarily for his dunks and transition highlights, Dupree has quietly refined the other parts of his game over the past two seasons. His improved shooting stroke and defensive awareness have transformed him from a one-dimensional athlete to a complete two-way player.
Dupree’s development is a testament to the coaching staff’s ability to bring the best out of their players. There was a time when he was considered more of a G League project than a first-round prospect, but his work ethic and growth trajectory have changed that perception entirely. He’s now knocking down corner threes with confidence, making backdoor cuts with purpose, and defending the opposition’s best wings without fouling. His upside is immense, and teams in the latter half of the first round are reportedly intrigued by his potential as a 3-and-D contributor with highlight-reel capability.
What makes this trio particularly exciting for Kentucky fans is not just their individual talent, but the way their skill sets complement one another on the court. Blackshire anchors the defense and offers a reliable inside-out presence. Riley runs the show with composure and tenacity. Dupree brings energy, athleticism, and the ability to change momentum in an instant. Together, they form a nucleus that could catapult Kentucky back into the Final Four conversation, and perhaps even bring home another national title.
Their inclusion in the 2026 mock draft also reflects the continuing evolution of Kentucky basketball under its current regime. While the program has always attracted elite talent, there is a renewed emphasis on development and long-term growth. These aren’t just one-and-done prospects cashing in on their high school hype. They are players who have committed to refining their games, learning the nuances of college basketball, and preparing for sustained success at the next level. The coaching staff has built a culture where players are empowered to take feedback, adjust, and improve—traits that NBA front offices value highly when making draft-day decisions.
This early projection also serves as a recruiting tool for Kentucky, reminding future prospects that if they choose Lexington, they’ll have every opportunity to shine and reach the highest level. The NBA pipeline is alive and well, and the success of players like Blackshire, Riley, and Dupree only reinforces that legacy. For a program that thrives on both winning and player development, the 2026 draft buzz is both a validation and a motivation to keep pushing forward.
Of course, much can happen between now and the actual draft. Injuries, changes in role, team success, and pre-draft workouts will all influence where players ultimately land. But for now, the message is clear: Kentucky has three potential NBA first-rounders already turning heads, and the Wildcats are gearing up for a season that could be as memorable as any in recent history. The blend of raw talent, returning leadership, and professional potential makes this roster one of the most intriguing in the country.
Fans will be watching closely as the 2025-26 season unfolds, knowing they could be witnessing the rise of the next great Kentucky stars. For Blackshire, Riley, and Dupree, the journey is far from over—but if this early mock draft is any indication, the destination may very well be the NBA stage, under the bright lights, with millions watching. That’s the dream, and in Lexington, it’s a dream that feels more and more like an impending reality.
