By RYAN McMULLEN
Kentucky freshman Terrence Clarke will declare for the NBA Draft and forgo his college ability, he announced Friday.
The 6-foot-7 Clarke averaged 9.6 points and 2.6 rebounds in just eight games due to a right leg injury.
In high school, he was projected as a lottery pick in many mock drafts, but ESPN currently has him as the No. 67 best available player.
“After discussing it with my family, I have decided to renounce my eligibility and declare for the NBA Draft,” said Clarke. “I had high expectations coming into this season and, of course, didn’t expect to be injured, which I understand is part of the game. Thank you to Coach Cal, the coaching staff and my teammates! BBN, I hope to make you all proud as a I pursue my dreams.”
Under NCAA rules, players sign with an NCAA-certified agent, submit paperwork to receive evaluations from the NBA, participate – if invited – in the NBA Draft Combine, and still return to school. Clarke intends to sign with an agent but will not return to Kentucky.
“This was not an easy decision for Terrence, who I admire for how he handled adversity, stuck with it and battled back to be there for his teammates in SEC Tournament game,” UK head coach John Calipari said. “Terrence has unbelievable ability and upside, and my only disappointment for him is that he didn’t have a chance to build on what he started because of the leg injury. Having said that, I am confident in his ability to make a major impact in that league. He has great size, can get downhill and score the ball, create for his teammates, and can play and guard multiple positions. Terrence showed me a lot this year in how he handled the hand he was dealt and became a great teammate. Like Jarred Vanderbilt, who had a similar challenge, I really believe Terrence’s best days are ahead of him. I will be rooting like crazy for him and I know our fans will be as well.”
Kentucky freshman forward Isaiah Jackson also declared for the draft, but will retain his eligibility.
Fellow freshman B.J. Boston is also expected to declare.
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