There is a Kentucky Wildcat on this NBA Draft Big Board who will surprise you

John Calipari and the Kentucky Wildcats could see half their roster selected in the 2024 NBA draft this June.

The 2024 NBA draft is a little over five months away, which gives plenty of time for scouts and analysts to keep adjusting their mock drafts and big boards. 

This year's class has long been considered historically weak, and with many of the top projected players either getting injured or performing under expectations, or in the case of USC's Isaiah Collier, both, it is no surprise the excitement about this crop has waned even more in recent weeks.

However, fans of the Kentucky Wildcats are likely going to really enjoy how his draft plays out, with three guards all projected to go in the first round with multiple other players in the conversation to be drafted as well.

Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report put out an updated Top 100 Big Board, ranking his top players in the 2024 draft class, and seven current Kentucky players made the list - with a bonus player who is expected to join the Wildcats in 2024 on the board as well.

3. Rob Dillingham

Dillingham's rise in the NBA draft conversation can only be described as meteoric, as the freshman went from unknown to now the No. 3 ranked prospect in the class.

For Kentucky fans, it isn't a surprise. The 6'3 guard has been a prolific scorer, creator, playmaker, facilitator, defender, and rim attacker. 

His efficiency, basketball IQ, elite athleticism, intensity, and three-point shooting give him both a high floor and a high ceiling, and in a class where there isn't much of either it makes sense for teams to look at Dillingham at or near the top of the class.

12. Reed Sheppard

Sheppard's combination of high level outside shooting, impactful defensive metrics, playmaking skills and overall feel for the game have rocketed him up draft boards. 

In a weak draft class, Sheppard's youth and high floor as a versatile two guard make him a potential lottery pick.

29. DJ Wagner

The development of Dillingham and Sheppard has overshadowed strong recent play from Wagner, who could be the third Kentucky guard taken in the first round of the 2024 NBA draft. 

Wagner is elite at putting pressure on the rim with his strength and athleticism, and while the shot hasn't been consistent there is reason to believe he could be a steal in the late first round if he falls that far.

45. Aaron Bradshaw

Bradshaw missed the first chunk of the season and is still playing catch up, but at 7'1 and with his soft touch and shot blocking skills it is easy to see his NBA appeal.

Scouts will want to see more consistency from him in SEC play, but even now his upside makes him an NBA prospect despite looking pretty raw so far for the Wildcats.

51. Justin Edwards

Edwards has been perhaps the biggest draft faller this entire cycle, once considered a top-five pick who is now out of the first round conversation at most outlets.

Edwards still possesses high level size and athleticism, and has shown flashes of shot creation and defensive ability, but at 20 years old and without an outside shot or much facilitation skills, his stock continues to trend downward.

73. Zvonimir Ivisic

Ivisic remains on the sidelines for Kentucky, a 7'3 center prospect who the team can't get onto the floor because of the NCAA's mysterious rules. Ivisic is tantalizing to NBA scouts because of his FIBA tape, which shows a big man who can protect the rim and shoot threes.

Not getting to play in college, if that ends up being the case, will hurt his draft stock, but some team may still select him at the back part of the second round as a project.

91. Antonio Reeves

Reeves' age is his biggest knock as an NBA prospect, but his high level scoring, especially as a catch-and-shoot wing, and his elite floater game should make him an offensive weapon in the G-League, and at 6'6 with his scoring he should get looks in the NBA as well.

93. Somto Cyril

Cyril is committed to Kentucky in the 2024 class, but he is eligible to declare for the 2024 NBA draft if he wants to, and his physical tools and upside have put him at least on the fringes of draft consideration. 

More than likely he will end up in Lexington next year, however, and his draft stock will likely improve significantly with development under coach Calipari.