Malachi Moreno picked before Jayden Quaintance in new NBA Mock Draft...

[WildcatWally-77]

Over at Yahoo! Sports, Kevin O’Connor’s new two-round mock draft has Malachi Moreno and Jayden Quaintance going back-to-back late in the first. Moreno gets picked ahead of Quaintance at No. 23 overall by the Atlanta Hawks, drawing comparisons to Jarrett Allen and Cody Zeller in O’Connor’s analysis. “The Hawks can find a true center that can play next to Onyeka Okongwu,” writes O’Connor. Quaintance is next off the board to the New York Knicks at No. 24. O’Connor compares him to Mitchell Robinson, who Quaintance would likely be replacing in New York in this scenario, and Robert Williams III.

Malachi Moreno picked before Jayden Quaintance in new NBA Mock Draft

Malachi Moreno and Jayden Quaintance go back-to-back in Yahoo's new NBA mock draft.

www.on3.com

 

[KyKevin]

Who is Jayden Quaintance, does he even play

 

[Wildcat_in_DC]

now do a reputable nba draft site

 

[JASUN74]

I’d bet my house that doesn’t happen. Let’s hope MM comes back and becomes a lottery pick next season with some big time improvement.

 

[Rick Honcho]

If Reed Sheppard can go #3, anything is possible…

 

[Blue Jesus]

KOC is not a good NBA draft prognosticator, and he has a tendency to go against the grain with some of his predictions, I suspect only in an effort to drive views and clicks. He infamously had Kilian Hayes as his #1 pick in 2020, when no one else was predicting top 5. Hayes went 7th and has been a bust even for that pick.

 

[Damage_inc]

If Reed Sheppard can go #3, anything is possible…

Why the Reed slander? He's been very good in the league.

 

[Rick Honcho]

Why the Reed slander? He's been very good in the league.

What slander? Sheppard bounced up and down from the D-League in year one and because of injuries was forced into action in year two. Sheppard has no handle, is 6’2” but can’t play the point, can’t create his own shot, makes bad decisions under pressure, and can’t guard anyone. He still has good accuracy from deep, but it was VanGundy who pointed out the Rockets had no point guard when Sheppard was on the floor, not me. Barring injuries, Sheppard’s back on the bench next season? Not exactly what a #3 pick is supposed to deliver?

 

[Damage_inc]

What slander? Sheppard bounced up and down from the D-League in year one and because of injuries was forced into action in year two. Sheppard has no handle, is 6’2” but can’t play the point, can’t create his own shot, makes bad decisions under pressure, and can’t guard anyone. Barring injuries, he’s back on the bench next season. Not exactly what a #3 pick is supposed to deliver?

Ah, you sound like a scorned Dalton Knecht fan.

 

[Rick Honcho]

Delete.

 

[CatBearPig]

Man his dad is gonna be pissed

 

[20MRoster]

Why the Reed slander? He's been very good in the league.

This.

He 1) showed he made the right decision (props to Jeff for not letting his son destroy his career by playing for Pope) and 2) showed the right decision is ALWAYS to go. If you are a big enough investment, the team WILL wait for you to figure it out, and support you all the way. None of this "develop in college BS".

 

[katwest]

Looking at draft projections, Chenyelu and Bidunga are not first round picks and both are leaning on coming back. Both are upperclassmen and Moreno is also looking at the second round and still doesn’t know. How can the other two want to maybe come back to school when both are ahead of Moreno in development. It’s almost like players want out after their freshman year here no matter if they are not a first round pick or not. It was that way with Cal here too. Yet you can’t run players off at some of these other programs that are clearly not as prestigious as Kentucky. It’s kind of hard to figure out.

 

[FilsonCat]

If you are in the late late first round, you are a few surprise moves from being somewhere in the second round. Second round with a guarantee is not a ton of runway to develop. There's so much talent vying for so few roster spots. It just is what it is.

 

[theBlues]

Looking at draft projections, Chenyelu and Bidunga are not first round picks and both are leaning on coming back. Both are upperclassmen and Moreno is also looking at the second round and still doesn’t know. How can the other two want to maybe come back to school when both are ahead of Moreno in development. It’s almost like players want out after their freshman year here no matter if they are not a first round pick or not. It was that way with Cal here too. Yet you can’t run players off at some of these other programs that are clearly not as prestigious as Kentucky. It’s kind of hard to figure out.

Well, the situations are quite apples and oranges. Chenyelu and Bidunga both lack an offensive game and are a little undersized for the NBA center position(don't matter imo, both studs on defense) so next years predicted weak draft might be the best shot either ever has to be a first round draft pick and next year's NIL pay could wind up each player's top career earning year. On the other hand Moreno, who I don't think is seriously considering staying in the draft, has up to 4 big earning years in college if he wants it and projects as a solid first round pick next year. But that solid first round status next year depends on him taking a sophomore jump.

The three have one big thing in common...being a 2nd round pick this year would likely be a massive drop in earnings not just for next year, but for the next 4 years.

 

[DudahUK]

Who is Jayden Quaintance, does he even play

Shaedon Quaintance.

 

[rivercatinfl]

I’d bet my house that doesn’t happen. Let’s hope MM comes back and becomes a lottery pick next season with some big time improvement.

I don’t find Moreno in the 1st round on any draft sites. who knows but for what it’s worth, he could come back, make as much money and really prepare for the following year’s draft with a better draft position imo.

 

[TheResistance]

What does the Fox say?

 

[CatFanMan66]

What slander? Sheppard bounced up and down from the D-League in year one and because of injuries was forced into action in year two. Sheppard has no handle, is 6’2” but can’t play the point, can’t create his own shot, makes bad decisions under pressure, and can’t guard anyone. He still has good accuracy from deep, but it was VanGundy who pointed out the Rockets had no point guard when Sheppard was on the floor, not me. Barring injuries, Sheppard’s back on the bench next season? Not exactly what a #3 pick is supposed to deliver?

haters gonna hate

 

[TheResistance]

 

[20MRoster]

Looking at draft projections, Chenyelu and Bidunga are not first round picks and both are leaning on coming back. Both are upperclassmen and Moreno is also looking at the second round and still doesn’t know. How can the other two want to maybe come back to school when both are ahead of Moreno in development. It’s almost like players want out after their freshman year here no matter if they are not a first round pick or not. It was that way with Cal here too. Yet you can’t run players off at some of these other programs that are clearly not as prestigious as Kentucky. It’s kind of hard to figure out.

The answer is Mark Pope. He provides nothing of value to a legitimate pro prospect. Very easy answer.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

Idk, if im a team picking in the 20s, that means im likely in a position to contend. I think id prefer getting a possible lottery pick talent in JQ than a run-of-the-mill big man who is just as much of a question mark.

A year ago I think JQ was #2 overall in some lotteries and he basically just took this year off to recuperate lol..

 

[katwest]

The answer is Mark Pope. He provides nothing of value to a legitimate pro prospect. Very easy answer.

It happened under Cal too, did they not want to play for him either?

 

[20MRoster]

It happened under Cal too, did they not want to play for him either?

No, that's part of Calipari's recruiting strategy. Get rid of the current crop to make room for the new crop. The product he is selling is fast track to the league. There was no NIL back then.

Whether or not it benefited UK in the long run is a topic for debate, but absolutely forcing players out was part of his strategy.

Can't believe this is an actual question?

 

[katwest]

No, that's part of Calipari's recruiting strategy. Get rid of the current crop to make room for the new crop. The product he is selling is fast track to the league. There was no NIL back then.

Whether or not it benefited UK in the long run is a topic for debate, but absolutely forcing players out was part of his strategy.

Can't believe this is an actual question?

It might have been his strategy but keeping some of them around might have helped his record and prevented some of the post season failures the last several years. Kobe Brea and Amari Williams credited Pope for their getting the chance to play in the NBA.

 

[20MRoster]

It might have been his strategy but keeping some of them around might have helped his record and prevented some of the post season failures the last several years. Kobe Brea and Amari Williams credited Pope for their getting the chance to play in the NBA.

Unfortunately, elite players don't envision themselves as Amari Williams. Those 2 being his only NBA players is not a good look.

 

[katwest]

Unfortunately, elite players don't envision themselves as Amari Williams. Those 2 being his only NBA players is not a good look.

You can add Oweh to that list he will be drafted and Moreno will be if not this year next. That would be 4 in two years, if you make it to the NBA you are an elite player. That would be pretty good considering he took what he could get his first year.

 

[20MRoster]

You can add Oweh to that list he will be drafted and Moreno will be if not this year next. That would be 4 in two years, if you make it to the NBA you are an elite player. That would be pretty good considering he took what he could get his first year.

Show me a draft board that shows Oweh being drafted. I just checked ESPN's latest mock and he is not on it. If he squeaks in, it will be a late 2nd rounder. And I continue -- no elite player wants to be Oweh.

There's nothing about Pope that is "very good" or "good" or even "average " about developing pro talent.

We won't see eye to eye on this topic, I will agree to disagree. Appreciate the discussion.

 

[paulcalhoun_rivals397471]

The answer is Mark Pope. He provides nothing of value to a legitimate pro prospect. Very easy answer.

You just keep repeating the same old crap that is nothing but your over the top full time negativity. This not is based in reality and only serves to hurt our program.

 

[20MRoster]

You just keep repeating the same old crap that is nothing but your over the top full time negativity. This not is based in reality and only serves to hurt our program.

Please let me know what professional players Mark Pope can tell a recruit's family and agent about developing. "You can be my Amari Williams" is not an appealing message to an elite recruit.

 

[paulcalhoun_rivals397471]

Please let me know what professional players Mark Pope can tell a recruit's family and agent about developing. "You can be my Amari Williams" is not an appealing message to an elite recruit.

Tell me what surefire NBA talent he has failed to develop. I have seen it stated repeatedly the last two seasons that we had no NBA worthy talent but yet they have been getting there and Moreno seems to be in position to have that option when no one forecasted that after one season.

 

[20MRoster]

Tell me what surefire NBA talent he has failed to develop. I have seen it stated repeatedly the last two seasons that we had no NBA worthy talent but yet they have been getting there and Moreno seems to be in position to have that option when no one forecasted that after one season.

Jasper is a glaring example. Whatever happened with that kid better have been the kid's fault, because if he balls out at Oregon, that would say a lot.

Moreno was a MCDAA. The expectation with a MCDAA is reaching the NBA -- it's more of an eyebrow raiser when they DON'T. Several of Self's early 2010s guys come to mind (Selby, Billy Preston).

That being said, If Malachi goes to the league, and Pope still has a coaching job after next year, that will be a much better pitch to recruits than whatever he has now.

 

[katwest]

Show me a draft board that shows Oweh being drafted. I just checked ESPN's latest mock and he is not on it. If he squeaks in, it will be a late 2nd rounder. And I continue -- no elite player wants to be Oweh.

There's nothing about Pope that is "very good" or "good" or even "average " about developing pro talent.

We won't see eye to eye on this topic, I will agree to disagree. Appreciate the discussion.

It’s a mock draft, educated guess that’s all, so ESPNs mock draft isn’t the end all when talking about the draft. Thats pretty harsh comments on Oweh considering he was an all Sec selection, multiple national awards recognitions and weekly accolades among others. He was Kentuckys best player the last two years. Did Calipari develop Sheppard and Dillingham, that developing pro talent statement is a little overrated in some cases.

 

[20MRoster]

It’s a mock draft, educated guess that’s all, so ESPNs mock draft isn’t the end all when talking about the draft. Thats pretty harsh comments on Oweh considering he was an all Sec selection, multiple national awards recognitions and weekly accolades among others. He was Kentuckys best player the last two years. Did Calipari develop Sheppard and Dillingham, that developing pro talent statement is a little overrated in some cases.

Success in college sometimes has very little to do with draft position. Oweh is not an elite talent, as much as you'd like to think so.

And you're factually wrong with Reed Sheppard. Nobody had him pegged as a one and done, let alone a top 3 pick. Calipari is probably the only person on that planet that could have gotten Reed drafted top 3.

 

[Ednunn]

Success in college sometimes has very little to do with draft position. Oweh is not an elite talent, as much as you'd like to think so.

And you're factually wrong with Reed Sheppard. Nobody had him pegged as a one and done, let alone a top 3 pick. Calipari is probably the only person on that planet that could have gotten Reed drafted top 3.

Cal didnt put anyone in the league that wasnt going to begin with. More wasted talent than anyone in college ball.

 

[paulcalhoun_rivals397471]

Jasper is a glaring example. Whatever happened with that kid better have been the kid's fault, because if he balls out at Oregon, that would say a lot.

Moreno was a MCDAA. The expectation with a MCDAA is reaching the NBA -- it's more of an eyebrow raiser when they DON'T. Several of Self's early 2010s guys come to mind (Selby, Billy Preston).

That being said, If Malachi goes to the league, and Pope still has a coaching job after next year, that will be a much better pitch to recruits than whatever he has now.

Jasper was not expected to be anything major as a freshman. You watched him this past season. He had obvious weaknesses that no amount of coaching was going to be able to hide. Jasper was only here one season and needs to develop physically, mentally, and skill wise. If he eventually gets there it is still not an indictment on Pope since he bailed after only one season..

Moreno had NBA hope obviously but was considerably more so expected to be a 3 to 4 year college player. Absolutely no one projected Moreno as a one and done level talent.

You point out that Self had talent level expected to be NBA players and failed to get there. Has that hurt his recruiting? Not sure what that has to do with Pope anyway.

 

[katwest]

Success in college sometimes has very little to do with draft position. Oweh is not an elite talent, as much as you'd like to think so.

And you're factually wrong with Reed Sheppard. Nobody had him pegged as a one and done, let alone a top 3 pick. Calipari is probably the only person on that planet that could have gotten Reed drafted top 3.

Success in college helps tremendously, and Oweh is an elite athlete. His intangibles is what sets him apart from others who might be better shooters. Calipari didn’t develop Reed,if anything he held him back some.

 

[20MRoster]

Success in college helps tremendously, and Oweh is an elite athlete. His intangibles is what sets him apart from others who might be better shooters. Calipari didn’t develop Reed,if anything he held him back some.

You're just wrong about everything now. this discussion is over. Thanks again.

 

[20MRoster]

Jasper was not expected to be anything major as a freshman. You watched him this past season. He had obvious weaknesses that no amount of coaching was going to be able to hide. Jasper was only here one season and needs to develop physically, mentally, and skill wise. If he eventually gets there it is still not an indictment on Pope since he bailed after only one season..

Moreno had NBA hope obviously but was considerably more so expected to be a 3 to 4 year college player. Absolutely no one projected Moreno as a one and done level talent.

You point out that Self had talent level expected to be NBA players and failed to get there. Has that hurt his recruiting? Not sure what that has to do with Pope anyway.

Self got to a FF with Deron Williams, who went onto be the 3rd pick and a multiple time NBA All Star. He can afford a few misses. You're right, has nothing to do with Pope -- and that's a problem because Pope needs a guy like that to last at Kentucky.

 

[Chadrock]

Makes sense. MM played every game and excelled as a big man - JQ played in a couple games and primarily sat on the bench.