The 2021 NBA Draft is officially in the books as Oklahoma State’s Cade Cunningham went first overall to the Detroit Pistons. The NBA also honored the late Terrence Clarke. Commissioner Adam Silver drafted the former Kentucky Wildcat and invited his family up on the stage during the draft. Clarke died following a car accident in the Los Angeles area back in April at age 19. Clarke was expected to be drafted in the first round before the accident.
Four players from universities in Kentucky were selected in the NBA Draft. Former Kentucky Wildcat Isaiah Jackson went to the Indiana Pacers at number 22 overall and teammate BJ Boston went to the Los Angeles Clippers at 51 overall. Louisville’s David Johnson was drafted by the Toronto Raptors with the 47th pick with fellow Cardinal Carlik Jones going undrafted, but signing a free agent deal with the Dallas Mavericks. Western Kentucky’s Charles Bassey was taken by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 53rd pick.
Keon Johnson and Jaden Springer both went in the first round of the NBA Draft. It’s the second time two Tennessee Volunteers have gone in the first round of the NBA Draft. Johnson went to the LA Clippers at number 21. Philadelphia drafted Springer with the 28th overall pick. Former Volunteer Yves Pons went undrafted and is signing with the Memphis Grizzlies. Austin Peay’s Terry Taylor signed with the Indiana Pacers after not being drafted.