UK’s Liggins, Jones & Knight To Test NBA Draft Waters

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Kentucky got good news yesterday when Doron Lamb announced that he would be returning to Lexington for this sophomore season next year.  But there were no surprises this morning when UK released the news that junior DeAndre Liggins and freshmen Terrence Jones and Brandon Knight would put their names into the NBA’s draft bin.

None of the three players have signed with an agent or plan to… at least according to the press release.

“I support the decision these three have made to take advantage of the process of putting their names in the draft,” John Calipari said in the statement.  “They were a joy to coach this year and I would love the opportunity to continue to coach them again next season.  I will always support my players in weighing their options and doing what is personally best for them and their families.”

By taking such a pro-exploration stance, UK’s coach does two things.  First, he sends a strong signal to prospects and recruits that he is most concerned with their well-being and success.  Second, he eases potential backlash from fans who want their players to stick around for more than a year.  That, too, shows prospects and recruits that Calipari will have their back if they head to Lexington.

Smart business.