The 2025 NBA draft just passed, but it’s never too early to look ahead to 2026. After two Kentucky Wildcats were selected this year, many expect that number to grow in Mark Pope’s second season. But who are the best candidates to be picked?
Bleacher Report recently released their top 50 prospects for the 2026 NBA draft, and there are two Wildcats on the list. One is in the top five, while the other is a little further down the list.
First up in Jayden Quaintance, who comes in at number four overall. The transfer from Arizona State is coming off a major injury, but his upside is undeniable. Here’s what they said about him, among other things:
Quaintance would warrant lottery consideration in June even if he didn’t suit up at all for Kentucky. He’s still younger than most freshmen, not turning 19 until after the 2026 draft. But there has been less of a rush for prospects to go pro early with NIL.
The other Kentucky player on their list is guard Jasper Johnson:
Jasper Johnson could enter the one-and-done conversation with his potent shotmaking and touch shots. Depending on how he looks as a playmaker and if scouts question his 175-pound frame for a scoring guard, he may also have something to prove after his freshman season.
Both Quaintance and Johnson should figure heavily into Kentucky’s 2025-26 season. They’re both very talented, and have tremendous potential, and both could easily be high draft picks by the time the 2026 process rolls around.