Kentucky freshman forward Julius Randle is expected to announce his plans to enter the NBA Draft during a press conference slated for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.
The 6-foot-9 Randle is projected as the No. 4 pick in the Draft by DraftExpress.com. The three freshmen projected ahead of him — Andrew Wiggins, Joel Embiid and Jabari Parker — have all declared for the draft.
One veteran NBA scout told SNY.tv NBA personnel think higher of Randle based on his strong play in the NCAA Tournament, where he helped lead the Wildcats to the championship game against UConn.
Randle averaged 15 points and 10.4 rebounds on the season, and 14.8 points and 9.8 rebounds in the NCAAs. He was limited to 10 points and 6 rebounds in the final when he was reportedly struggling with leg cramps.
“I think Julius Randle’s helped himself probably more than anybody in the draft,” one veteran NBA scout told SNY.tv before the Final Four. “It took him from 6 to 5 or 5 to 4 or whatever, but he’s definitely helped himself.”
Of Randle, he added: “Julius is a legitimate guy because he’s a top-6 guy. He should come out. What else is he going to do there? Stand around next year and get triple-teamed? There’s no more for him [in college].”
Kentucky freshman James Young has already announced for the draft, while Andrew and Aaron Harrison are still seeking feedback from the NBA. DraftExpress.com does not have them projected in the 2014 Draft.
ESPN’s Andy Katz reported on Monday morning that Kentucky head coach John Calipari was set to meet with Randle, Dakari Johnson and Alex Poythress on Monday afternoon, and the Harrison twins on Tuesday.
Photo: US Presswire
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