The 2023-24 Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball team featured two standout freshman guards. Both of those players, Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham, were selected third and eighth overall, respectively, in the 2024 NBA Draft.
However, both players had a difficult time getting regular minutes during their rookie year for Western Conference playoff teams, combining to play 1,170 total minutes in the regular season. Many may believe that Sheppard is the one more likely to take a step forward in 2025-26, but Dillingham could be the one who receives more of an opportunity to do so.
Both players struggled with their shots as rookies
At first glance, the Rockets have a deeper roster than the Timberwolves.