Jayden Quaintance’s NBA Draft stock has taken a big hit at ESPN; Malachi Moreno is rising

Dec 20, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jaland Lowe (15) reacts with center Malachi Moreno (24) and forward Jayden Quaintance (21) against the St. John Red Storm in the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The 2025-26 Kentucky Basketball season was filled with injuries, crazy moments, and more injuries. Mark Pope’s team tried to overcome every obstacle that was thrown their way, but it just wasn’t meant to be.

The Wildcats played the majority of their season without potential lottery pick Jayden Quaintance, who was rehabbing from a torn ACL, then played four games in early January before sitting out the remainder of the season due to knee swelling.

Quaintance’s lack of playing time and his injury have had a lasting effect on his draft stock as he’s now projected to be picked well outside of the lottery range, according to Jermey Woo’s latest draft rankings at ESPN.

In the newest edition of Woo’s draft projections, the Cleveland (OH) native has dropped down to 20th overall on the draft board after widely being projected in the top 10 before the season began.

There’s obvious concern about Quaintance, who played his freshman season at Arizona State and his sophomore year under Pope, that his knee did not heal within a normal timeframe, given that the injury sidelined him for over a full year.

Although the 6-1o big man has not actually declared for the draft, it’s expected soon as the Wildcats are already in the process of building their roster for next season. If Quaintance can prove he’s 100% healthy, then he’ll very likely go inside the first round, which may be enough to keep him from playing another season in college.

Elsewhere in the ranking, Malachi Moreno moved all the way up to 60th overall after being unranked, meaning he could be within range of being a second-round pick if he remains in the draft. Moreno is currently testing the draft waters but is expected to return to Kentucky.

Moreno could really use another season of development, and next year’s draft looks much weaker, so he’d have a great chance of going much higher if he waits until next year to go pro.

Finally, Otega Oweh is barely inside the ranking at 93rd overall. For now, it looks unlikely that he’d hear his name called in the draft and would begin his pro career as an undrafted free agent.

Might that lead to Oweh seeking a fifth season of eligibility? The NCAA is considering a rule that would allow players to play five seasons over five years, though that may not take effect until next season.

Will be an interesting draft season for Kentucky.