SEC Basketball: Where were former stars selected in the NBA Draft?

SEC basketball sent eight teams to the NCAA Tournament this past season. In response, the conference was well-represented in the 2018 NBA Draft.

The SEC has not traditionally been known for its basketball prowess, but following a season in which a record eight teams made the NCAA Tournament, the conference was well-represented in the 2018 NBA Draft. Kentucky had four players drafted, marking the fourth straight year in which head coach John Calipari’s squad has produced at least three draft picks.

In total, seven players from the conference were taken in the NBA Draft, including four players in the lottery.

Round 1, Pick 8 (Cleveland Cavaliers) – PG Collin Sexton, Alabama

Sexton thrived during his lone season with the Crimson Tide, averaging 19.2 points with 3.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game, leading Alabama to the NCAA Tournament. However, he is now facing a tough situation in Cleveland thanks to the uncertain future of LeBron James. Will he be tasked with being the face of the future of the franchise, or will he be a role player who has to fit in next to The King?

Round 1, Pick 9 (New York Knicks) – SF Kevin Knox, Kentucky

New York wanted to add a small forward in this year’s draft and chose Knox over Villanova’s Mikal Bridges and Missouri’s Michael Porter Jr. He’ll provide the Knicks a nice scoring spark on the wing and a perfect complementary piece for Kristaps Porzingis.

Round 1, Pick 11 (Charlotte Hornets, traded to Los Angeles Clippers) – PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kentucky

Charlotte selected Gilgeous-Alexander only to trade him to the Clippers for the No. 12 overall pick, Miles Bridges, and two second-round picks. In Los Angeles, Gilgeous-Alexander will get a chance to be their point guard of the future and is expected to compete for the starting job right away.

Round 1, Pick 14 (Denver Nuggets) – SF Michael Porter Jr., Missouri

Porter, once projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in this draft, dropped all the way to the final selection in the lottery due to concerns about the back injury that caused him to miss all but three games of his freshman season. His medicals were bad enough to scare away every other lottery team but Denver decided to gamble on his upside, hoping he can return to full health sooner rather than later. If healthy, he’s a sure-fire starter at a position of need for a team with postseason expectations.

Round 1, Pick 27 (Boston Celtics) – PF/C Robert Williams, Texas A&M

Another player who experienced a long fall on draft night, Williams was projected to be a late lottery pick due to his athleticism and shot-blocking abilities. Questions about his work ethic and real lack of offensive skill caused him to fall but ended up in a good situation. Boston needs a rim protector and he’ll have time to grow behind/alongside Al Horford.

Round 2, Pick 41 (Orlando Magic, traded to Denver Nuggets) – SF Jarred Vanderbilt, Kentucky

Injuries limited Vanderbilt during his freshman season at Kentucky, keeping him from really finding his place in their lineup and hurting his draft stock. However, he’s a gifted athlete who – though his skill set is still raw – has shown flashes of ability as a playmaker, scorer, and defender. A high-upside player who will probably spend some time in the G-League.

Round 2, Pick 45 (Brooklyn Nets, traded to Charlotte Hornets, then traded to Oklahoma City Thunder) – CG Hamidou Diallo, Kentucky

Diallo, who likely would’ve been a first-round pick if he would’ve stayed in last year’s draft, was picked for his elite athleticism. His overall skill set is extremely raw but the Thunder are hoping his athleticism allows him to make an impact in the wide-open NBA game while those skills develop.

Next: NBA prospects who landed in the right place

SEC basketball really had a great night with all of the former players being selected. Here’s to hoping that they all have solid careers and that the conference once again shows an elite talent pool next season.