Kentucky Guard Rob Dillingham Impressing NBA Draft Circles Early

Despite coming in undersized, there’s no question that Dillingham has performed well beyond expectations in his first few collegiate games.

Kentucky freshman Rob Dillingham may just be the next in line of Wildcat guards to ascend the ranks of the NBA Draft.

Dillingham was highly-touted — coming in at No. 16 per RSCI — but at 6-foot-2 wasn’t thought of to be a premier, top-of-the-line draftee.

After just a few short games with Kentucky, he’s already begun to quell those thoughts.

Through six games with the Wildcats, Dillingham is averaging 16.0 points, 5.2 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.5 steals while shooting 54% overall, 50% from beyond the arc and 75% from the line. The catch? It's all been in just over 23 minutes per game.

And most of all, he looks the part.

Dillingham has clear feel on-tape. His coordination, burst and decisiveness all pop.

In Friday’s game against Marshall, the still-18-year-old scored 16 points, dished eight assists and added a steal, all while shooting 7-for-8 from the field and showing his poise in the process.

His day was highlighted by a controlled handle that led to paint touches, high-level finishing at the rim, a projectable jumper and offense-galvanizing passing.

Everything about Kentucky freshman Rob Dillingham’s movement just feels so coordinated. Smooth and decisive.

Poured on 16 points, 8 assists versus Marshall: pic.twitter.com/f5hD0wKNEd

— Derek Parker (@DParkOK) November 25, 2023

The track record for undersized guards in the draft isn't necessarily a lengthy one. But even in the last year alone we've seen a number of smaller guards take to the big leagues.

If the right amount of feel, high basketball IQ and shot-making is there, a path to the NBA will surely reveal itself, especially for a talent like Dillingham.

For now, NBA organizations and scouts alike will continue to assess Dillingham and his peers' season as we churn through what's been a competitive collegiate basketball season to this point.

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