Kentucky freshman guard Rob Dillingham has announced that he will be taking his talents to the pro league, making the statement on ESPN’s NBA Today with host Malika Andrews. Dillingham is projected to be a top-two pick in the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft, with experts predicting that he will be joining the Washington Wizards. The 19-year-old shared his thoughts on the transition from college basketball to the NBA, expressing appreciation for the lessons learned from his coach and teammates at Kentucky.
During his freshman season, Dillingham was named second-team All-SEC and Sixth Man of the Year after averaging 15.2 points per game on 47.5% shooting from the field, along with 2.9 rebounds and 3.9 assists. Despite a successful season individually, Dillingham’s Kentucky Wildcats fell short in the NCAA tournament, losing in the first round. However, his skills on the court have caught the attention of many, with his speed, athleticism, and ball-handling abilities drawing comparisons to Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland.
Dillingham is focused on making an impact in the NBA and is not concerned about his draft position, emphasizing the importance of finding a team that trusts him and can help him develop as a player. He is determined to contribute to his team’s success and is eager to continue learning and growing as a player. The NBA Draft is set to take place in New York City on June 26-27, where Dillingham is expected to be selected early in the draft due to his impressive skills and potential.
Reflecting on his time at Kentucky, Dillingham expressed gratitude for the learning experiences and camaraderie he shared with his teammates. He credits his coach, John Calipari, for teaching him valuable lessons about teamwork and selflessness on the court. Dillingham values the opportunity to play alongside talented teammates and believes that a collective effort is key to winning games. He commends Coach Calipari for his guidance and coaching expertise, acknowledging the impact he has had on the Kentucky program.
As Dillingham prepares to make the transition to the professional league, he remains focused on his goals of contributing to a successful team and continuing to develop his skills as a player. With his determination, work ethic, and talent on the court, Dillingham is poised to make a significant impact in the NBA and fulfill his potential as a top prospect in the upcoming draft. Fans and experts alike are eager to see where Dillingham will land and how he will continue to grow and excel at the next level of competition.
