Key Dates, Deadlines for Kentucky Basketball's 2023-24 Roster

Stay-or-Go Season is now upon us, with Sahvir Wheeler being the first domino to fall regarding next season’s Kentucky Basketball roster. Wheeler entered the transfer portal earlier today, likely ending his time in Lexington. Several more decisions are expected in the coming days and weeks, be it in the form of NBA Draft declarations, outgoing transfers, or incoming transfers.

As we prepare for two months of “will he/won’t he,” let’s look at the calendar to review some important dates and deadlines.

NOW

Players may request an NBA Undergraduate Advisory Committee evaluation as soon as their team’s season ends. So, in theory, Kentucky’s draft hopefuls could — and may — have already done so. Once their evaluation is requested, they can enter the NBA Draft and sign an agreement with an NCAA-certified agent. Players have until April 13 to request an evaluation.

APRIL

April 23: NBA Early Entry Deadline

Players who want to enter the draft, receive an evaluation from the league, and go through workouts have until 11:59 p.m. ET on April 23 to declare. By now, you know this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re gone; they could just be testing the waters to get feedback. Even though this deadline is a ways away, I’d expect Kentucky’s guys to start rolling out their announcements well before. 

MAY

May 11: Transfer Portal closes for fall/winter sports

We’ll know which players are leaving Kentucky by May 11, the NCAA’s deadline for fall/winter sports athletes to notify their schools they are entering the transfer portal. The NCAA’s deadline to withdraw from the NBA Draft isn’t for another few weeks (May 31), so there could be some ambiguity on areas of need/what players are out there to fill them, but by May 11, we’ll know which Wildcats could be playing college ball elsewhere next year.

May 11-14: G-League Elite Camp (Chicago, IL)

This event precedes the NBA Draft Combine at the same location. The top 60-70 draft prospects (as voted on by NBA teams) will be invited to the Combine and the next 40 prospects will be invited to the G-League Elite Camp. This could be a good bellwether for players testing the draft waters.

May 14-21: NBA Draft Combine (Chicago, IL)

The prospects invited to the Draft Combine will participate in 5-on-5 games, strength and agility testing, shooting drills, measurements, and other related on-court exercises. For Cason Wallace, a projected lottery pick, this is a good chance to strengthen stock. For Chris Livingston, it could be an opportunity to prove you’re a first-round pick. If Oscar Tshiebwe and Jacob Toppin receive invitations, it’s an opportunity to play your way into the draft.

May 16: NBA Draft Lottery (Chicago, IL)

The full draft order will officially be set on May 16, giving the top players, including Wallace, a clearer picture of where they may go.

May 31: NCAA “Stay or Go” Deadline

Players who wish to return to school must take their names out of the draft by 11:59 p.m. on May 31.

JUNE

June 12: NBA Early Entry Withdrawal Deadline

Any draft prospect that wants to take their name out of the draft must do so by 5 p.m. on June 12. If a player waits until after this deadline to take their name out, they won’t maintain their college eligibility.

June 22: 2023 NBA Draft (Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY)