Published Jun 14, 2017
Bossi's Best: The top NBA Draft factories of the one-and-done era
Eric Bossi  •  Basketball Recruiting
National Analyst
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In the summer of 2005, the NBA took away the ability of a player to enter the draft directly out of high school. This moved ushered in the one-and-done era that began with the class of 2006. Since that class was first draft eligible in June of 2007, which programs have produced the most first-round picks? Some of the names are expected, but some may surprise you.

RIVALS ROUNDTABLE: Which region produces the most talent?

1. KENTUCKY

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First-round picks since 2007: 21

Highlights: When it comes to producing draft picks and embracing the one-and-done era, nobody has done it quite like John Calipari and the Wildcats. Kentucky figures to add several more first-round picks in this year’s NBA Draft and John Wall (2010) and Anthony Davis (2012) went first overall. Of the 21 first rounders, 13 of them were lottery picks. Add in the two first-rounders Calipari had at Memphis -- including 2009’s No. 1 pick Derrick Rose -- and he’s essentially doubled anybody else when it comes to first round draft picks.

2. DUKE

First-round picks since 2007: 12

Highlights: Of the 12 first-round picks produced by the Blue Devils since 2007, nine of them have been since 2012 and the program will add more this year. Of those 12 picks, seven were of the one-and-done variety and current Cleveland Cavaliers star Kyrie Irving went No. 1 overall in 2011. Jabari Parker (2014) and Brandon Ingram (2016) each went No. 2 overall. Mike Krzyzewski and Duke have won a pair of NCAA titles in the one-and-done era, a feat matched by only North Carolina and Connecticut.

2. KANSAS

First-round picks since 2007: 12

Highlights: Under the direction of Bill Self, the Jayhawks have been pumping out first-round draft picks at a steady clip. Of their 12 first-rounders since 2007, only Darrell Arther (No. 27 in 2008) was drafted outside of the top 15. The Jayhawks biggest year was 2014 when Andrew Wiggins and Joel Embiid went No. 1 and No. 3 overall. This year, Josh Jackson should give them another top three pick.

4. NORTH CAROLINA

First-round picks since 2007: 11

Highlights: The Tar Heels have had one of the best blends of producing NBA talent and winning important games. During the one-and-done era, they’ve won two titles and appeared in four Final Fours under the leadership of Roy Williams. Surprisingly, the Heels have not produced a top five pick during the stretch with Harrison Barnes (No. 7 in 2012) going the highest.

5. UCLA

First-round picks since 2007: 10

Highlights: Highlighted by Russell Westbrook going No. 4 overall in 2008, the Bruins have consistently pumped out first-round draft picks. What’s most impressive is that they have done it under a pair of coaches in Ben Howland and Steve Alford. Headlined by Lonzo Ball, who should go in the top three next week, the Bruins should add three more first-round picks in 2017.

6. SYRACUSE

First-round picks since 2007: Nine

Highlights: Along with guiding the Orange to a pair of Final Four appearances, Jim Boeheim has kept Syracuse flush with NBA talent. None of the nine first-round picks has turned into an NBA star, but in recruiting it’s all about selling that you get guys picked and they’ve done that. Next week, forward Tyler Lydon has a chance to push the Orange into double digit first-rounders since 2007.

7. OHIO STATE

First-round picks since 2007: Eight

Highlights: In the early days of Thad Matta’s tenure in Columbus, the Buckeyes were producing loads of NBA talent. After producing six first-rounders between 2007 and 2010 – including No. 1 overall Greg Oden in 2007 – things have slowed down and Ohio State has only had two first-rounders in the last six drafts.

8. TEXAS

First-round picks since 2007: Eight

Highlights: All eight of the Longhorns' first-rounders since 2007 were coached by Rick Barnes before he was fired in 2015. The headliner of the group is 2017 NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant, who was taken No. 2 by Seattle in 2007. Power forward Jarrett Allen should be Texas’ second first-round pick since 2011 and the first under the leadership of Shaka Smart.

9. ARIZONA

First-round picks since 2007: Seven.

Highlights: Things were a bit spotty for the Wildcats from 2007 to 2011 with only three players going in the first round. When Lauri Markkanen is picked in the lottery next week, it will make five first-round picks since 2013. The Wildcats look to be in good shape to continue that trend next year thanks to 2017’s No. 3 ranked player DeAndre Ayton.

10. WASHINGTON

First-round picks since 2007: Seven.

Highlights: While producing first-round draft picks hasn’t been a problem for the Huskies, making the NCAA Tournament has been an issue. The Huskies have only made three tournament appearances in the one-and-done era and not making it since 2011 cost Lorenzo Romar his job in 2016. New coach Mike Hopkins will have his work cut out for him to match the draft success and it’s interesting to note that Romar is now an assistant at Arizona.