Cason Wallace declares for NBA Draft, forgoes college eligibility

Kentucky guard Cason Wallace is taking his talents to the NBA, declaring for the draft while signing with an agent, forgoing the remainder of his college eligibility. The jump comes after a successful freshman campaign in Lexington where he averaged 11.7 points, 4.3 assists and 3.7 rebounds while shooting 44.6% from the field, 34.6% from three and 75.7% at the line.

Projected as a likely lottery pick known for his versatility and two-way abilities, Wallace’s time as a Wildcat is officially (and unsurprisingly) over.

“First and foremost, I want to give a big thank you to my family, teammates, coaches and the fans that packed Rupp Arena every week for your endless support throughout my journey,” Wallace said. “I’m grateful beyond words for the memories we have created together and I’m honored to be a part of a great community like UK.

With that, I am officially announcing that I’m declaring for the NBA Draft to continue to pursue my life-long dream of playing in the NBA. I will cherish my time with Big Blue Nation and I want to thank you all again for your support and encouragement throughout the year.”

The 6-foot-4 guard out of Richardson, Texas started the year as an off-ball threat, but emerged down the stretch as Kentucky’s primary ball handler. He fought through injury, dealing with the obvious wear and tear that comes with being forced into a high-minute, high-usage do-it-all role for a program with minimal guard depth. Still, though, Wallace found great success and carried the Wildcats to the finish line, proving his worth as a clear plug-and-play NBA talent.

Draft analysts agree, with the freshman standout holding firm at No. 10 on The Athletic and No. 10 among ESPN’s best players available in the class. The Ringer lists Wallace at No. 13 overall, as does Bleacher Report. Kentucky’s lone projected first-rounder, his decision was the easiest on the roster – and it’s really not close.

“Cason is a play-making guard who is going to have the opportunity to make an immediate impact at the next level,” John Calipari said. “He has good size and a tremendous feel for the game, and no situation is too big for him. He’s ready to take this step and I’m thrilled for he and his family.”

Wallace found ways to produce in every facet imaginable over the course of his lone season in Lexington, finishing with 10 games of 15-plus points, 15 games of five-plus assists, 10 games of five-plus rebounds and seven games of three-plus steals. His biggest performances came in a 24-point, five-assist effort vs. Arkansas, a 21-point, nine-rebound finish vs. Kansas State and a 20-point, three-block outing vs. Florida. An underrated game for the freshman standout? 14 points, six rebounds, five assists and five steals in 37 minutes vs. Kansas on Jan. 28.

The Richardson native signed with Kentucky out of high school as a consensus five-star prospect, choosing the Wildcats over Tennessee, Texas and UTSA, among dozens of other scholarships.

Now, his time in Lexington has officially come to a close.

#LaFamilia