Regardless of how good or bad Kentucky basketball performs in a given NCAA Tournament, there are still two nights on the calendar that the program always owns.
Both the McDonald’s All-American Game and the NBA Draft belong to Lexington, and there’s no better time to revisit this phenomenon than today, with the premiere of the John Calipari ESPN Films 30 for 30 entitled “One and Not Done.“
We spoke with Jarred Vanderbilt, another blue chip who’s joined up with Big Blue Nation, about the McDAAG, NBA Draft dominance.
“I think Cal has started something,” Vanderbilt said.
“To have that many McDonald’s All-Americans go to one school, year after year, it’s never been done before. And for them to be producing not only at that level but at the next level- it’s like we, Kentucky guys, are just taking over.”
“We’re becoming a mecca, I think he’s built like a dynasty over there. and i’m just happy to be a part of it.”
(“One and Not Done” review at this link, exclusive with the director, Jonathan Hock at this link, preview info and video trailer at this link)
As you’ll be reminded when you watch the 30 for 30 tonight, Kentucky became the first school to ever send five players to the NBA Draft’s first round, accomplishing the feat in 2010.
There are many reasons why Big Blue gets the biggest blue chip prospects, and those reason go well beyond the program functioning as a de facto NBDL franchise.
Said Jarred Vanderbilt:
“I felt like they had my style of play, and I could fit into that system, and I felt they were the best to get me to the next level, both on and off the court; especially with the guys that’s coming in with me. I feel like we’re going to be a great fit.”
NBA Draft Room has Vanderbilt #17 overall in their 2018 NBA mock draft.
Kentucky has signed 60 McDonald’s All-Americans since the team began in 1977.
Former and current Wildcats who played in the McDonald’s All-America Game previously during Calipari’s tenure include:
Devin Booker (2014), Isaiah Briscoe (2015), DeMarcus Cousins (2009), Anthony Davis (2011), Archie Goodwin (2012), Aaron Harrison (2013), Andrew Harrison (2013), Dakari Johnson (2013), Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (2011), Terrence Jones (2010), Brandon Knight (2010), Doron Lamb (2010), Lee (2013), Trey Lyles (2014), Poythress (2012), Julius Randle (2013), Marquis Teague (2011), Karl-Anthony Towns (2014), Tyler Ulis (2014), Kyle Wiltjer (2011) and James Young (2013).
https://soundcloud.com/p-m-banks/jonathan-hock-one-and-not-done-director-exclusive
Kentucky has the #1 nationally rated class in the USA Today composite rankings, and the #1 spot in Scout, 24/7, ESPN and Rivals as well.
Kentucky Wildcats in the McDAAG Feature Story Links
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times and NBC Chicago.com, contributes to Chicago Tribune.com, Bold, WGN CLTV and KOZN.
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