Kentucky freshman guard Rob Dillingham will be taking his talents to the professional league. The announcement was made by Dillingham on ESPN’s NBA Today show, hosted by Malika Andrews.
Andrews shared the news through her personal X.
Dillingham is expected to be one of the top two picks in the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft, with experts predicting that he will join the Washington Wizards. The 19-year-old had this to say about transitioning from college basketball to the NBA:
“This decision was made with my family,” Dillingham stated in an interview with ESPN. “I felt ready. Coach Calipari taught me a lot about being a better teammate and understanding that it’s not just about me.”
“It was a season of ups and downs with many memorable moments,” Dillingham added. “We achieved a lot of wins with a young team. It was a valuable learning experience, and I was thrilled to share it with my teammates. I learned the importance of being there for everyone, which is crucial for winning games. Coach Cal has made a significant impact on Kentucky. I believe he is an exceptional coach. Wherever he goes, he will excel.”
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The former Wildcat was named second-team All-SEC and Sixth Man of the Year after averaging 15.2 points per game on 47.5% shooting, along with 2.9 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 32 games averaging 23.2 minutes per game during his freshman season.
Hailing from North Carolina, Dillingham played a key role in guiding the Wildcats to a 23-10 record and another appearance in the NCAA tournament. Unfortunately, the team fell short in the tournament, losing to the number 14 seed Oakland Golden Grizzlies in the first round.
Despite the setback, Dillingham’s potential in the NBA is undeniable. He aims to make a positive impact and contribute to winning with whichever team selects him, regardless of his projected draft position.
“The draft order doesn’t matter to me, whether I’m picked first or last. I want to join a team that believes in me, where I can grow and improve alongside them, and contribute to winning games. I just want to help my team win and continue to develop and learn,” Dillingham expressed.
According to Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman, Dillingham is likened to Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland in the NBA. Dillingham is known for his athleticism, speed, and agility on the court. While not a pure shooter, he excels in ball-handling and speed, making him a dynamic player.
The NBA draft is scheduled to take place in New York City on June 26-27, where Dillingham is expected to be an early selection.
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
