Kentucky’s Maxey becomes second Wildcat to enter NBA draft

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky guard Tyrese Maxey will enter the NBA draft, becoming the second Wildcats starter in as many days to turn pro and forego his remaining collegiate eligibility.

Maxey scored 26 points against then-No. 1 Michigan State in his collegiate debut and finished the season tied for second in scoring on the team at 14 points per game. The 6-foot-3 freshman shot nearly 43% with 33 3-pointers and also averaged 4.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists while starting 28 of 31 games for the Southeastern Conference champions. SEC coaches voted him to the all-freshman team and all-SEC second team.

Maxey said in a release Monday that although he didn’t get to pursue his goal of winning a national championship, “this season was everything I signed up for.” The Garland, Texas, native added that “because I’m Wildcat made,” he’s ready for the next challenge of chasing his dream of playing in the NBA.

Kentucky coach John Calipari said Maxey is “a great kid” with unwavering confidence in his ability and “potential he has only begun to realize.” Maxey’s decision comes a day after sophomore point guard Ashton Hagans announced he will enter the draft after two seasons with Kentucky.