Kentucky's Malik Monk declares for NBA draft

Kentucky will have to replace both of its starting guards next season, as Malik Monk joined De'Aaron Fox in declaring for the 2017 NBA Draft, the school announced.

“After taking some time with my family and reflecting on this season, I have decided to enter my name into the 2017 NBA Draft,” Monk said. “As a little kid, these are words that I could only dream of saying. For that I am very grateful and thank God.

"I would like to thank Coach (John Calipari) for helping me evolve my game and become a more complete basketball player. You pushed me all season to be my best and taught me the true meaning of team and sacrifice. KP (Kenny Payne), thank you for mentoring me on and off the court and helping me perfect my craft while guiding me through the entire process."

Monk said he will sign with an agent, making him ineligible to return to school.

As a freshman, Monk ranked second in the country in freshman scoring, averaging 19.8 points while reaching double digits in all but two games.

He passed Jamal Murray for the most points scored by a freshman in a season in Kentucky history, while also ranking fourth all time in program history with 754 total points.

The 6-foot-3 guard was named an NCAA consensus All-America Second Team player and was a Wooden Award finalist, while also being named the SEC Player, Newcomer, and Freshman of the Year.