Leonard Miller forgoes college, will explore professional options

Take another roster option for Kentucky basketball off the table going into the 2022-23 season. Five-star wing Leonard Miller is no longer considering the college route, officially turning pro on Tuesday. He will continue to test the NBA Draft waters while also exploring his other professional options with the NBA G League.

“My lifelong dream has been to play basketball at the highest level, and I’ve been fortunate to have had a number of amazing people in my life that have helped me pursue that dream,” Miller told On3’s Joe Tipton. “After getting feedback from going through the NBA Draft process up to this point, I have decided to take the next step in that journey and move forward in the professional process.

“I want to sincerely thank every college who recruited me. Your belief in me and encouragement fueled me to put in the work to become an even better player. I am incredibly grateful for your interest and the time you poured into me. To my family, coaches, friends and everyone back home in Canada, each of you has helped me in different ways to reach this point. I can’t thank you enough, and as I go forward I’ll be doing everything I can to make you proud.“

The 6-foot-11 wing previously announced his three finalists with On3, with Arizona, Kentucky, and the G-League Ignite remaining as options. Tipton reports that Arizona was the favorite to land Miller had he gone to college.

Miller declared for the 2022 NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility back in April. The 18-year-old five-star prospect was deemed draft eligible due to the fact he is now one year removed from high school after completing a postgraduate year at Fort Erie International Academy in Ontario.

The former Kentucky target now has until June 13 to make a final decision regarding the NBA Draft. He’s projected as the No. 41 overall pick in ESPN’s latest mock draft.

As for Kentucky, Shaedon Sharpe is the only major player with ties to the program left to make a decision on the draft. The freshman guard has until midnight on June 1 (Wednesday evening) to announce his future plans, likely to stay in the draft.

Elsewhere, Jacob Toppin announced his decision to withdraw from the draft on Tuesday, joining Oscar Tshiebwe, Sahvir Wheeler, Daimion Collins, Lance Ware and CJ Fredrick back in Lexington. Cason Wallace, Chris Livingston, Antonio Reeves and Adou Thiero are also signed on to join the program in 2022-23.

One step closer to a final roster.