Two Kentucky Wildcats selected in a recent 2027 NBA Mock Draft

Mark Pope is going to send a lot of talent to the NBA this season.

Feb 17, 2026; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Georgia Bulldogs center Somto Cyril (2) attempts to steal the ball from Kentucky Wildcats center Malachi Moreno (24) during the first half at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Last season, Mark Pope sent two players to the NBA as Jayden Quaintance and Otega Oweh both heard their names called, and this year Pope will be looking to send more talent to the league. Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report just put out an NBA Mock Draft for the 2027 Draft, and two Wildcats were selected.

Kentucky center Malachi Moreno went with the 28th pick to the Toronto Raptors, according to Wasserman, and sharpshooter Milan Momcilovic went with the 31st pick to the Sacramento Kings. With Moreno being a first-round pick in this mock draft, Wasserman put up a blurb on his thoughts on the seven-footer from Kentucky.

Mar 12, 2026; Nashville, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats center Malachi Moreno (24) dribbles the ball past Missouri Tigers guard Anthony Robinson II (0) during the second half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Here is what Wasserman of Bleacher Report had to say about Moreno: “A potential late first-rounder last June, Malachi Moreno returned to be Kentucky's defensive anchor and a more frequently used post player, playmaking hub, and finisher. His tools and instincts are selling points. Showing improved skill level and touch should push him into a tier with solidified first-round prospects.”

If Moreno has the season that fans believe he is going to this season for Pope and the Wildcats, I think he has a real shot to be a lottery pick in this 2027 NBA Draft. I see a world where Moreno is going to average 13 points, nine rebounds, 3.5 assists, and two blocks per game. If he puts up numbers like this, it is hard to see him not being a lottery pick.

Mar 27, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Iowa State Cyclones forward Milan Momcilovic (22) reacts in the first half against the Tennessee Volunteers during a Sweet Sixteen game of the Midwest Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Knowing the struggles Momcilovic has on the defensive end of the floor, I see it being tough for him to be taken much higher than 31st. He is the best shooter in college basketball without question, which a team in the NBA will be able to use, but he is a liability on the defensive end of the floor. If Momcilovic is able to improve his defense this season, he could be taken higher than 31st, but that is something I will have to see to believe.

I am very confident Moreno and Momciloivc will go in the 2027 NBA Draft, but it will be interesting to see if any other Wildcats go. Alex Wilkins is a name that could be interesting, as he is a player that eyeball test wise has a ton of NBA upside. At least two Wildcats are going to hear their name called in the 2027 NBA Draft.

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