LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky (UK) is sending more of its top players to the NBA as Tyrese Maxey, Immanuel Quickley, and Nick Richards were selected during the 2020 NBA Draft Wednesday night.
What You Need To Know
- Three Wildcats selected in the early rounds of the NBA Draft
- Maxey to the 76ers, Quickley to the Thunder, Richards to the Pelicans
- UK's first-round streak extends to 11 seasons
- Three Wildcats went undrafted, will likely sign free-agent deals
The Wildcats made their school and fans proud early on in the draft, as all three were selected during the first two rounds.
- Tyrese Maxey (Freshman) — Round 1, No. 21: Philadelphia 76ers
- Immanuel Quickleyr (Sophomore) — Round 1, No. 25: Oklahoma City Thunder
- Nick Richards (Junior) — Round 2, No. 42: New Orleans Pelicans
In 11 seasons with head coach John Calipari, Kentucky churned out three No. 1 selections, 31 first-rounders, 21 lottery picks and 41 total players in the NBA Draft. With two first-round picks (Maxey and Quickley) this year, Kentucky claims more first-round selections — 41 — than any other school since 1985.
"It's graduation night. Three guys drafted," Calipari said. "They're on a different path. But you know what? At the end of the day, fight for what you want. Take what you want and I'm proud of all of them."
Maxey was the first Wildcat selected and the first UK player selected by the 76ers since 1975, when Mike Flynn was selected in the seventh round..
"I just want to show them that I can compete and I know what I can do," Maxey said. "I trust myself. I put the work in and I'm just so excited. I'm so thankful. I learned so much from (Rajon) Rondo (while he trained in LA). He took the time out of his day every morning to teach me the tricks of the trade and I just want to say thank you so much. I thank Philadelphia for this opportunity, and I promise that it won't be a regret."
2020's draft marks the 11th in a row that UK was represented by multiple players in the first round. Calipari is the only coach to have multiple players selected in 13 consecutive NBA Drafts, dating back to his time at Memphis.
Duke and Arizona tied the 'Cats in this draft, both also netting three total picks. UK Sophomores Ashton Hagans and EJ Montgomery and graduate transfer Nate Sestina went undrafted. It is likely they will have opportunities to sign free agent deals, according to Calipari.
"Ashton and EJ and Nate are going to have an opportunity with different teams. Maybe two-way contracts, maybe free agency. But they're going to have a chance. They're having their own path," Calipari said.
Bryce Shreve is a digital producer with Spectrum News 1 KY. He is a recent graduate of Indiana University Southeast and joined the staff in November, 2020.