- 324 words
March 20, 2026, 12:22 p.m. ET
March Madness is underway and today’s college stars have a chance to cement themselves in this summer’s NBA draft class. The 2026 draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY’s latest mock draft, Kentucky’s Jayden Quaintance is expected to go in the first round.
Here’s how USA TODAY currently projects the forward’s draft night will play out.
Jayden Quaintance 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 13 overall, Charlotte Hornets
All picks based on Tankathon lottery projection
Kalbrosky’s Analysis:
Jayden Quaintance recorded just one start during his sophomore campaign and is highly unlikely to return to the court again this season as he recovers from a torn ACL, meniscus and fractured knee. But the sophomore big man is still one of the youngest players in this class and has shown flashes during his time at Arizona State and Kentucky. When healthy, he is arguably the most talented defender in this draft class and could help a team that desperately needs frontcourt help, like the Hornets.
See USA TODAY’s full mock draft here
Jayden Quaintance player profile
(all stats as of March 15)
- Position: Forward
- Current Team: Kentucky
- 5 points per game
- 5 rebounds per game
- 0.5 assists per game
- 57.1% field goal percentage
- 0.0% three-point field goal percentage
Charlotte Hornets 2026 projected draft picks
- No. 13, No. 20 (via PHX) and No. 42 (via GS)
All picks based on Tankathon lottery projection
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