Kentucky's James Young to enter NBA draft
Kentucky Wildcats freshman James Young is leaving Lexington to enter the NBA draft, the team announced on Thursday.
Young was a key piece of Kentucky's run to the NCAA Championship game, averaging 14.3 points and 4.3 rebounds, including averages of 13.2 and five, respectively, in six NCAA Tournament games.
The 6-foot-7 small forward released a statement to UK Athletics:
My time at Kentucky has been special to me, something I’ll always treasure, but I feel that I’m ready to take the next step to the NBA. I’ve learned more this year, on and off the court, about life from Coach Cal and the staff and appreciate all of their guidance and support. I can’t say enough about my teammates; the journey helped us build a bond that we will always share for the rest of our lives. I would like to thank the best fans in the country, the Big Blue Nation, and I hope you guys will continue to support me as I move on. I will always bleed blue. Succeed and Proceed!
The decision to enter the draft had been expected to come since the season ended, as Young is almost assured of being a first-round pick. DraftExpress currently ranks him as the No. 16 prospect available and has him mocked to be selected 15th, just outside of the lottery. ESPN's Chad Ford more or less agrees, ranking him 17th.
The potential for the 18-year-old to grow into an NBA wing is tantalizing, even if he wasn't all that efficient as a freshman. Young has an undeniable nose for getting to the rim and is constantly on the move, traits that should carry over well. His 3-point stroke isn't effective from NBA range yet, but that's expeted to come with time.
All in all, he's an enticing upside play that has a few skills that should translate immediately.