Get to know Rob Dillingham
Rob Dillingham talks about his ability to not only score for himself but to get others involved, ahead of the NBA Draft.
Overview
From Hickory, N.C., Dillingham led the USA under-16 team to the 2021 FIBA Americas Championship in Mexico and was named MVP after posting 31 points, six boards, four assists and three steals in the finale against Argentina. He skipped his senior year of high school to join the Cold Hearts of Overtime Elite and was an ESPN five-star recruit before joining Kentucky, though he originally committed to NC State. In his lone season at Kentucky, Dillingham was a reserve (he started only once) and averaged 15.2 points, 3.9 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 1.0 steals in 23.3 minutes per game. He was stellar from deep, connecting on 44.4% of his 4.5 3-point attempts per game.
Analysis
At 6-foot-1, Dillingham has an elite offensive package that will translate to the NBA. He has a quick first step and can score at all three levels, like many other NBA guards who went to Kentucky. He will also find the open shooter but needs work as a playmaker to be considered a true point guard, as his shot selection and ball security can be spotty. Building his frame should help correct those issues, as Dillingham was at 164 pounds at the Combine. Dillingham won’t turn 20 until January of 2025, which makes an ideal prospect at the top of the 2024 NBA Draft.
Projection
Dillingham needs to put on some weight and improve a few areas of his game to develop into a star like Tyrese Maxey, so he may have to settle for an offensive spark-plug role as a sixth man role like Immanuel Quickley did. Currently, Dillingham has a similar frame to Bones Hyland, but a good landing spot should allow Dillingham to thrive early.
— Profile by RotoWire