UCLA guard Amari Bailey declares for 2023 NBA Draft

One of UCLA‘s standout players is taking his talents to the NBA, as Amari Bailey has revealed his plans for his basketball future via Instagram on Thursday.

“Love and gratitude to everyone that’s helped along the way. Let’s get it,” wrote Bailey, accompanying a lengthy letter to everyone that helped him get to where he is now.

Amari Bailey is a former four-star recruit from the 2022 cycle, who was also the No. 12 recruit in the nation, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Over his 30 games played for the Bruins, Bailey averaged 11.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. He helped UCLA capture the regular season title in the Pac-12 Conference, although the Bruins suffered heartbreaking defeats in both the Pac-12 Tournament and NCAA Tournament.

Moreover, Bailey was one of the most exciting players to watch on UCLA throughout his time on the court during his first season in Los Angeles. The Chatsworth, California native will use that valuable experience as he moves to his next chapter.

Amari Bailey showed why he was considered one of the top prospects in his recruiting cycle throughout his first season with UCLA. Now moving on to the NBA, he’ll look to refine his skills and continue to make a name for himself moving forward.

More on the 2023 NBA Draft

The 2023 NBA Draft is set to take place on Thursday, June 22, 2023, in Brooklyn at Barclays Center. Round 1 of the draft will be announced by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, while Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum is expected to handle the second round of picks.

To be eligible for the NBA Draft, players must be at least 19 years in age during the calendar year that the draft is held and at least one NBA season from their high school graduation date, or the date that would have been if they are not graduated. It is not required that player spend that one year playing college basketball, though. Players can play in either college, abroad, or the G League Ignite if they choose so.

While this is a significant change from what the rules once were, players are eligible to enter their names into the NBA Draft pool and explore their options by hiring an agent to go through the process, while still keeping their college eligibility. The deadline to make that move is on April 23 beginning at 11:59 p.m. ET. Players have until June 12 at 5 p.m. ET to withdraw their name from the pool and return to college.

The NBA Draft Lottery will be held on May 16, which is also the start of the NBA Conference Finals.