Calipari: All eligible Kentucky players will enter NBA draft
Get breaking news and SI’s biggest stories instantly. Download the new Sports Illustrated app (iOS or Android) and personalize your experience by following your favorite teams and SI writers.
Kentucky coach John Calipari said on Twitter on Wednesday that his entire team will enter the NBA draft.
It is unclear whether Calipari made the decision on behalf of his team, or whether each player individually decided, as even the players who are not professional prospects will participate in the draft process under the NBA’s new rules. The rules allow players to submit their name three times, and gives them 10 days after the draft combine to withdraw.
“...every player who is eligible for the draft, including our walk-ons, will submit their names for the NBA Draft,” Calipari tweeted, “in hopes of being invited to the combine in May.”
Provided players do not hire an agent, the new rules allow them to work out for teams, participate in the combine if invited, and then return to school by the deadline.
Kentucky boasts several legitimate NBA prospects on its roster, including guards Jamal Murray and Tyler Ulis and center Skal Labissiere, who are potential first-rounders.
