Kentucky freshman guard Rob Dillingham will take his talents to the pro league. Dillingham made the announcement on ESPN’s NBA Today, which is hosted by Malika Andrews.
Andrews shared the news via her personal X.
Dillingham is projected to be a top-two pick in the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft. Experts predict his new home will be with the Washington Wizards. He’s what the 19-year-old had to say about making the jump from the college game to the NBA.
“This was a decision I made with my family,” Dillingham told ESPN on Monday. “I felt prepared. Coach Calipari taught me a lot about how to be a better teammate and that it was not all about me.”
“It was an up-and-down season with a lot of great moments,” Dillingham said. “We won a lot of games with a young team. It was a great learning experience, and it was amazing to share it with my teammates. I learned how to be for everyone; that’s what wins games. Coach Cal has done a lot for Kentucky. I feel like he’s a great coach. Wherever he goes, he’ll be a great coach.”
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The former Wildcat was named second-team ALl-SEC and Sixth Man of the Year after finishing his freshman season with 15.2 points per game on 47.5% shooting from the field, 2.9 rebounds, and 3.9 assists in 32 games and 23.2 minutes per game.
The North Carolina native helped guide the Wildcats to a 23-10 record and another NCAA tournament appearance. Unfortunately, he and his team fell short yet again in the tournament, losing to the number 14 seed Oakland Golden Grizzlies in the first round.
Nonetheless, there’s no denying Dillingham’s game and how it could translate into the NBA. Although he’s projected to be a lottery pick, he wants to make an impact and win with whoever he lands with.
“It doesn’t matter what pick I am, if I get picked 60th. I want to go to a team that trusts me and can help me build, and I can build with them, and make me better. I just want to help my team win, and they can develop me and teach me things.
“Anyone can be special if they put their mind toward it. Just have confidence. It’s about what you put your mind into.”
According to Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman, Dillingham’s NBA comparison is Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland. Dillingham is a pure athlete with fantastic speed and great hops. He is electric on the court when he has the ball in his hands. His handles and speed with the ball in his hands are next-level, and although he isn’t a pure shooter, he is a shot taker and maker.
The NBA draft will be held in New York City on June 26-27. Expect to hear Dillingham’s name early on in the draft.
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