Star guard declares for NBA Draft, adding to Kentucky's offseason challenges

This is a smart move for Dillingham, who's a potential lottery pick. In his latest mock draft, Kyle Boone of CBS Sports has the Washington Wizards taking the 19-year-old with the second overall pick and compares him to an eight-time All-Star.

"Despite coming off the bench the majority of the season for Kentucky, Dillingham flashed shades of [Dallas Mavericks guard] Kyrie Irving with his twitchy ability and brilliant ball-handling skills," wrote Boone. "He can take over games when he's hot and has the athletic pop to grow into a potent two-way player."

In 32 games with Kentucky, Dillingham averaged 15.2 points and 3.2 assists in 23 minutes per game. The 2023-24 SEC Sixth Man of the Year also shot 44% from three-point range.

While he has yet to declare for the draft, Kentucky could also lose freshman guard Reed Sheppard, who led the team in assists (148 in 33 games) last season. Boone believes the Charlotte Hornets will take him with the fourth overall pick. 

In the past, Kentucky fans could bank on John Calipari bringing another highly touted recruiting class, but that's no longer the case. On Tuesday, the head coach confirmed he's no longer with the program in a video posted to his X account, formerly known as Twitter. (He's expected to sign a contract with Arkansas.)

David Cobb of CBS Sports noted Kentucky's 2024 recruiting class "is at risk of disintegrating" after Calipari's departure.

Don't be surprised if Kentucky experiences a difficult transition period. It must find a head coach who can remodel the program and continue to land premier recruits.