Sports Illustrated released their first projections for the 2013 NBA Draft.  As usual, the list is very Wildcat heavy.  3 Kentucky Wildcats make their top 10 list.

1. Nerlens Noel

Executives from two likely lottery-bound teams identify the Kentucky freshman as the probable top pick in 2013. Noel is an elite shot blocker, with superior instincts and timing similar to last year’s top pick, Anthony Davis. Still limited offensively — “What high school big man isn’t?” an NBA scout said — Noel is decent off the dribble but will get the bulk of his points in the paint, where his size and 7-foot-4 wingspan will give him a big advantage.

6. Alex Poythress

Poythress is another physical specimen who utilized superior size and instincts to overwhelm prep-level competition. One general manager compared Poythress favorably to Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, the No. 2 pick in 2012. Like Kidd-Gilchrist, Poythress will have to polish his offensive game; for now, he is strictly a transition player with an aggressive, attack-first style in the paint.

10. Archie Goodwin

Goodwin is a slashing, Dwyane Wade-type scorer comfortable playing a half-court game. In the paint, Goodwin absorbs contact well and is an excellent finisher. Like many young players — and Goodwin, who turned 18 in August, is very young — he needs to bulk up and work on his shot, but scouts love his potential as an NBA two-guard.