UCLA Basketball: Three Bruins that could get selected in the 2019 NBA Draft

Go Joe Bruin takes a look at three current UCLA basketball players that could be taken in the 2019 NBA Draft, pending a solid 2018-19 season.

The 2018 NBA Draft has come to an end but it’s never too early to look ahead to next year. That is exactly what Go Joe bruin did as we examine a few UCLA basketball players that can be taken in the 2019 draft.

NBA DRAFT RELATED: Holiday to Indiana | Welsh to Denver

Despite not winning any hardware in the last few seasons, UCLA has been able to bring in some extraordinary talent. Though they may be young next season, there are a few players that will catch the eye of several NBA executives as they try to make the pros after next season.

So who will follow in Aaron Holiday’s and Thomas Welsh’s footsteps (both of who were drafted last week)?

Related Story: The 10 Best UCLA Basketball Players Since 2000

Jaylen Hands, PG

Hands put his name in the NBA Draft to get feedback on his game. Should he make the jump to the pros or should he return to Westwood for another season? Well it looks like he got what he needed and made the smart choice to return to UCLA.

Though Hands was at times electrifying, he also played inconsistently. He did a decent job backing up Aaron Holiday, but could use another off-season to get stronger and work on his ball control. If he can do that, he could possibly be a first rounder.

Kris Wilkes, SF

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Like Hands, Wilkes put his name in the NBA Draft and did not hire an agent. Out of all the Bruins that did so, Wilkes seems to be the most likely to hear his name called in the 2018 NBA Draft. Unfortunately, after the draft combine, he didn’t get the feedback he wanted and decided on a return.

Last season he showed that he could score from anywhere on the court, but like Hands, he also had some inconsistencies.

Beyond that, if he can take a step up in his development from his freshman to sophomore year, he should prove that he has what it takes to make an NBA roster. Wilkes is long, quick and can score at will when he wants to. If he becomes the Bruins primary scoring threat during the 2018–19 season, there’s no doubt he will be a draft picked, quite possibly a first rounder.

Moses Brown, C

Brown has not played a minute in blue and gold, but he already possesses the raw talent which makes NBA scouts salivate.

Aside from being a long and strong low post presence, Brown has decent ball handling skills. He can go in and out pretty easily, but also keep the rock for himself and dominate inside the paint.

He won’t improve his defensive skills under head coach Steve Alford, but he should be able to help an offense that tries to go up tempo and scores pretty frequently.

Next: UCLA Basketball: Professional men and women made here

Honorable Mention

If major strides are made, the following players could be taken in next year’s draft (or at least “test the waters”): Prince Ali, Cody Riley, Jalen Hill and Tyger Campbell.