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 of four Wildcats starters to go professional. After a standout season, he was recognized as a first team All-Southeastern Conference selection by both The Associated Press and league coaches. He improved his scoring average by 10 points, going from his sophomore season to an average of 14.0 points per game while starting in 30 out of 31 matches. This contribution aided the Wildcats (25-6) in securing the SEC regular season title before the postseason was called off due to COVID-19 concerns.
Richards was also ranked fourth in the country with a shooting percentage of 64%. In addition, he made the SEC all-defensive team with an average of 7.8 rebounds and 2.13 blocks per game.
On Tuesday, Richards, who hails from Kingston, Jamaica, expressed his gratitude towards his coaches and teammates from Kentucky for his consistent progress. He announced his decision to chase his ultimate dream of becoming an NBA player, asserting that his time at Kentucky has adequately prepared him for this next step.
Richards’ announcement comes just one day after top scorer, Immanuel Quickley, declared for the draft. Earlier, guards Ashton Hagans and Tyrese Maxey turned professional last week on Sunday.
