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Kentucky guard Jamal Murray declares for NBA draft

Kentucky guard Jamal Murray has declared for the NBA draft.
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Kentucky guard Jamal Murray declared for the NBA draft on Friday in a press conference held at the university.

Murray, widely considered a sure top-10 selection, becomes John Calipari’s 17th freshman to turn pro at Kentucky. He announced he will “most likely” not return to school, after averaging 20 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists and shot 40.8% from three, setting school records for points scored and made three-pointers. He has yet to hire an agent.

“When I first committed to Kentucky, it was the biggest moment of my life,” Murray said, according to the Courier-Journal. “I came with a goal to improve myself, and I cherish every moment I was on the court. I made Kentucky my second home, made a lot of good friends ... but I'm ready to take on the challenge of playing at the next level.”

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Kentucky head coach John Calipari announced following the end of the team’s season that all of his eligible players would enter the draft and test the waters. Beyond Murray, it is unclear which, if any, of the players will hire agents, allowing them to return to school—most notably guard Tyler Ulis and big man Skal Labissiere, both projected as first-round selections.