Former Kentucky F Kahlil Whitney declares for NBA draft

Former Kentucky forward Kahlil Whitney has declared for the 2020 NBA Draft.

“I truly believe in my development and grind,” he told ESPN on Friday. “I want to thank my coaches, fans, trainers and family for ongoing support. My journey will be inspiring to kids and athletes all over the globe.”

Thank You❤️ Next chapter🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/P3z1RNzHa8

— Kahlil The Dragon Whitney (@KahlilWhitney) January 24, 2020

A five-star recruit who was once projected as an NBA lottery pick, Whitney withdrew from school in January after a reduction in playing time.

The 6-foot-7 freshman averaged 3.3 points, 1.7 rebounds and 12.8 minutes in 18 games (eight starts) in 2019-20. He shot 37.1 percent from the field and 43.5 percent from the free-throw line.

He started the Wildcats’ first seven games but played just 53 total minutes over his last eight contests.



A McDonald’s High School All-American, Whitney arrived in Lexington as the No. 12 overall recruit in the 2019 ESPN 100.

Whitney, 19, is ranked by ESPN as the No. 80 NBA draft-eligible prospect.

–Field Level Media (@FieldLevelMedia)