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The 2024 NBA draft brought twists and turns like an action-packed game. The Atlanta Hawks picked Zaccharie Risacher, while Alex Sarr came in second, making draft history of international players being the top-2 picks.
The San Antonio Spurs chose Stephon Castle to pair with Victor Wembanyama. Portland sparked a promising rebuild since Damian Lillard left by picking Donovan Clingan and more.
While the second round promises plenty of redirects around the league, let’s look at the top programs that contributed to the first round of the 2024 NBA draft.
Colleges with most 2024 NBA draft picks after day 1
#1 Kentucky Wildcats - Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham
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Reed Sheppard was the first guard to be picked in the 2024 NBA draft. The Houston Rockets picked him, behind his averages of 12.5 points, 4.1 rebounds 4.5 assists and 2.5 steals in his lone season with the Wildcats. The six-foot-two guard’s biggest asset is his ability to sink 3s on a high clip.
The Minnesota Timberwolves picked Rob Dillingham for his offensive arsenal and ability to disrupt defenses. The franchise traded the rights to the 8th pick in the NBA draft by sending their 2031 first-round and a 2030 pick swap to the San Antonio Spurs.
#2 Connecticut Huskies - Stephon Castle and Donovan Clingan
The Spurs picked Stephon Castle at number four for his ability to impact on both ends of the floor.
He's one of the best defensive guards in the 2024 NBA draft and will be paired alongside the Spurs' young building blocks in Victor Wembanyama, Jeremy Sochan, Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson.
The Portland Trailblazers expect Donovan Clingan to immediately impact winning through his all-around effect on the court. His offensive versatility could enable their young core to skillfully experiment and forge chemistry, while his ability to block shots and alter plays could address their defensive woes.
#3 Colorado Buffaloes - Cody Williams and Tristan Da Silva
Cody Williams was selected as the 10th pick by the Utah Jazz, while Tristan Da Silva was picked at number 18 by the Orlando Magic.
Williams came into the college circuit as a five-star recruit. Da Silva was one of the Buffaloes' top starters, averaging 16 points per game throughout the last season.
#4 Baylor Bears - Ja'Kobe Walter and Yves Missi
The Toronto Raptors went with one of the safest options in the 2024 NBA draft, Ja'Kobe Walter. His two-way ability could instill the perimeter defense the Raptors lost last season with Pascal Siakam.
Yves Missi has all the tools to become a backup center and could work wonders behind Zion Williamson with the New Orleans Pelicans. With improvement, he could be a promising starter for the Pels.
#5 Purdue Boilermakers - Zach Edey
Zach Edey went at No. 9 by the Memphis Grizzlies after drawing comparisons with Shaquille O’Neal. He's the only player to win consecutive national Player of the Year titles in the last 35 years and led the Boilermakers to their first championship game since 1969.
#6 Duke Blue Devils - Jared McCain
Jared McCain was selected at No. 16 by the Philadelphia 76ers. McCain is known as an excellent teammate with a relentless work ethic and checks all the boxes of being an elite shooter.
#7 Indiana - Kel'el Ware
Kel'el Ware will be a part of the rough and tough culture of the Miami Heat after being selected 15th. The move could be tremendous for Ware, who could use a little tweaking when it comes to physicality and motor.
#8 Tennessee - Dalton Knecht
The LA Lakers picked one of the most underrated and oldest players of the 2024 NBA draft at No. 17. Knecht consistently plays with a chip on his shoulder and is known to utilize his extended basketball experience by regularly improving his skills.
#9 Cal Berkeley - Jaylon Tyson
The Cleveland Cavaliers picked the traditionally underrated wing Jaylon Tyson at No. 20 in the NBA draft. He's a creative ballhandler who can work his way to the basket in the crowd, has good decision making and can create shots off the bounce.
#10 Dayton Flyers - Da'Ron Holmes II
DaRon Homes II was picked up by the Phoneix Suns and traded his rights to the Denver Nuggets. He has won the Dayton White Allen Most Valuable Player thrice and is the fourth player coming out of the program in the last seven years.
What could Alabama basketball's 2024-25 starting lineup look like? Find out here
