LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky forward Nick Richards will enter the NBA draft and forego his final season of collegiate eligibility by signing with an agency.
The 6-foot-11 junior is the latest Wildcats starter to go professional. Following a standout season where he was selected for the first team All-Southeastern Conference by both The Associated Press and league coaches, he’s making his move. His scoring average per game rose 10 points from his sophomore season, reaching 14.0 and starting in 30 out of 31 matches. His performance helped the Wildcats (25-6) clinch the SEC regular season title before the season was called off due to COVID-19.
Richards also achieved a national ranking of fourth in shooting with a 64% accuracy. He was included in the SEC all-defensive team due to his averages of 7.8 rebounds and 2.13 blocks per game.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Richards from Kingston, Jamaica, expressed gratitude towards his coaches and teammates from Kentucky for his consistent growth. He announced his decision to chase his ultimate dream of becoming an NBA player, asserting, “My time at Kentucky has prepared me for this step.”
Richards made his announcement just a day after the team’s leading scorer, Immanuel Quickley, declared for the draft. In addition to this, guards Ashton Hagans and Tyrese Maxey turned pro the previous week, with Hagans’ declaration coming on Sunday.
