Top 5 prospects from SEC in 2024 NBA draft ft. Rob Dillingham

The 2024 NBA Draft is considered one of the weakest in history, with not many star potential prospects in the mix. Scheduled to be held on June 26 &27, the draft news has already gained attention from some of the players.

The South Eastern Conference, home to teams like Kentucky, Florida, Tennessee, Alabama and Auburn, has many players making the move to the pro league. Here are our top five picks.

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Top five prospects from SEC in 2024 NBA draft

#1 Reed Sheppard

Perhaps the most talked about prospect, Reed Sheppard, didn't have the makings of a one-and-done player when he came out of high school. However, he has caught headlines through his incredible performances, while coming off the bench.

The National Freshman of the Year averaged 12.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.5 assists while shooting at 53.6%. He led Kentucky in assists (148) and steals (82). After forgoing his college eligibility, Reed Sheppard is projected to be a guaranteed top-10 pick in the draft.

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#2 Dalton Knecht

While he may not be a first-round pick, Knecht has built a case for himself, as he led Tennessee to the Elite Eight this season, a first since 2010. Dalton Knecht averaged 21.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists in his junior season.

The 23-year-old is not of the usual age bracket that the NBA teams draft from. However, he has the skills to back him, from shooting to passing and playmaking.

Knecht could easily strengthen the rotation roster of any team and bring in the results with his 'team-first' mentality.

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#3 Rob Dillingham

Of all the players, Rob Dillingham has the best possible chance at going No. 1 if teams don't pick international players like, Zaccharie Risacher, Alex Sarr and Nikola Topic. Despite lacking in the height department, Dillingham oozes the makings of a star player.

He averaged 15.2 points, 2.9 rebounds and 3.9 assists. Rob Dillingham can easily shoot, jump screens, pass the ball and create shots for himself.

He did all this while coming off the bench in Kentucky. While he may not be the best defender, time could do favor for the 19-year-old to hone his skills.

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#4 Mark Sears

Leading Alabama to its best basketball season in history, Sears averaged 21.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.0 assists, shooting 50.8% from the field and 43.6% from the 3-point range.

Predicted to go wither in the early 20s or in the 40s, Mark Sears is an asset due to his sharp shooting and playmaking. He makes for his lack of height (6-foot-1) with his offense.

Sears can easily impact any team he joins as he also brings great leadership skills to the table.

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#5 Justin Edwards

Edwards was a projected No. 1 pick at the start of the season. However, that all went down, as he struggled to perform like his fellow freshmen, Dillingham and Sheppard. Justin Edwards averaged 8.8 points and 3.4 rebounds in 21.5 minutes per game.

Regardless of his poor show, Edwards uses his height to defend and has good playmaking skills. He's a projected No. 44 pick going to the Miami Heat.

That could work for the guard, as the Heat have taken in players like Caleb Martin and Duncan Robinson and successfully developed them.

Who is your favorite pick of this season? Let's know in the comments section below.

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