Jojo Doria

Lexington, KY

After capturing the national championship behind three starters from the 2011 recruiting class, the Wildcats are expected to be busy rebuilding after all five of Kentucky's top underclassmen declared for the NBA Draft.

Kentucky's starting lineup, led by freshman and Naismith winner Anthony Davis, declared for the draft in a nationally televised news conference Tuesday night.

The announcement was made by the group alongside head coach John Calipari

Apart from Davis, who won the 2012 Naismith Trophy as the National Player of the Year, the group also includes freshmen Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Marquis Teague.

It also includes sophomores Terence Jones and Doron Lamb.

Davis, who averaged 14.2 points, 10.4 rebounds and blocked 186 shots this past season, is widely considered as a virtual lock for the No.1 overall pick.

Lamb, who was second on the team in scoring in 2011-12 (13.7 ppg.) is considered by observers to have a crack at the first round.

Kidd-Gilchrist, on the other hand, considered by many as the second-best Kentucky prospect, could go before the end of the lottery along with Jones.

With a projected weak draft for point guards, Teague is viewed by observers to go in the latter half of the first round.

The five underclassmen join seniors Darius Miller and Eloy Vargas, who will be leaving the program.

With the core of this year's title team moving on, only freshman Kyle Wiltjer remains from the rotation that helped capped Kansas' dominating run to the title game en route to the school's eighth championship.

The departures translate to a loss of more than 90 percent of last season's totals in most key statistics, which include points, individual rebounds and assists.

Meanwhile, many await as Calipari, known for his ability to get players ready for the NBA in one year, and even win a title with them as well, closes in a projected fourth straight No. 1 recruiting class.

Calipari's incoming crop, which could replicate last year's starting mix of two sophomores and three freshmen, features 4-star prospect 6'11" center Willie Cauley, 6'7" forward Alex Poythress and prolific 6'4" shooting guard Archie Goodwin, who have all signed in the early period.

The Wildcats have also landed coveted recruit Nerlens Noel.

The Tilton High School star Noel, who prior to his April 11 decision, narrowed down his choices to Kentucky, Georgetown and Syracuse, is noted for his defensive skills, most notably his shot-blocking ability.

Returning Wiltjer, on the other hand, is expected to handle the backcourt duties with highly touted NC State transfer point guard Ryan Harrow.

 

 

Anthony Davis, Kentucky's Top Underclassmen Declare for NBA Draft