Udoka Azubuike projected a late first-rounder by ESPN

Kansas basketball star Udoka Azubuike is predicted to be a late first-round pick in the NBA Draft, and his teammate Devon Dotson isn’t far behind.

Two players from last season’s Kansas basketball team are projected to be taken in the 2020 NBA Draft: center Udoka Azubuike and point guard Devon Dotson. In ESPN‘s updated mock draft, both Jayhawks are projected to go somewhere in the late first or early second round.

For Udoka Azubuike, he’s projected to go at No. 30 overall to the Boston Celtics, the very last pick in the first round. Based on the fact that the Celtics are looking for a center and that they’re a playoff-caliber team, Boston would be a good opportunity for Azubuike to get his NBA career off to a good start.

The seven-footer, while somewhat one-dimensional offensively in college, is still a force on both ends of the floor. Azubuike’s defense was phenomenal, and if he can bring his free throw percentage up to a respectable number, there’s no reason why he can’t have a successful pro career.

Devon Dotson is projected to go No. 35 overall to the Sacramento Kings, which has been a tough place for Jayhawks to succeed in the past. Thomas Robinson, Ben McLemore, and Frank Mason were all drafted there, and all struggled to get their careers going. All three were able to get back on track, but their time in Sacramento was ultimately forgettable.

At the end of the day, Dotson probably has the confidence in himself that he’ll succeed no matter where he ends up. The Philidelphia 76ers do have the No. 34 and 36 picks, so that could be a possible destination for Dotson as well, uniting him with NBA all-star and fellow Jayhawk Joel Embiid.

The 2020 NBA Draft is set for October 16 with the draft lottery taking place on August 20. Both will be broadcast on ESPN. Wherever Dotson and Azubuike end up, one thing’s for certain: both left their mark on Kansas basketball despite being robbed of March Madness last season.