(Jeff Houchin Photo)
Kentucky men’s basketball freshman forward EJ Montgomery announced Friday that he plans to submit his name for the 2019 NBA Draft. Under new NCAA rules, Montgomery can sign with an NCAA-certified agent, receive feedback and still return to school.
Montgomery will have until May 29 (10 days after the NBA Draft Combine) to make a final decision as to whether he wishes to remain in the draft or return to Kentucky.
“First of all, I want to thank God because none of this would be possible without Him,” Montgomery said. “Thank you to my family for their love and support. Thank you to Coach Cal and the coaching staff for challenging me to be the best player and young man I can be.
“With that being said, I have sat down with Coach Cal and my family and decided to take full advantage of the rules that are in place and enter my name in the draft process. My goal is to be a first-rounder. If the information I receive supports that, my plan is to stay in the draft and pursue my dreams of playing in the NBA. Thank you BBN for your love and support through this important time in my life.”
Montgomery is the fourth underclassman from the 2018-19 Wildcats to declare for the 2019 NBA Draft, which will be held June 20 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Sophomore forward PJ Washington and freshman guards Tyler Herro and Keldon Johnson have all announced they will remain in the draft and forgo their collegiate eligibility.
Montgomery has not yet determined his final status. As in years past, players can submit paperwork to receive evaluations from the NBA and participate – if invited – in the NBA Draft Combine. At this time, Montgomery plans to utilize the current rules in place.
The 6-foot-10 forward out of Fort Pierce, Florida, appeared in all 37 games for the Wildcats during his freshman campaign, including making 10 starts. He averaged 3.8 points and 4.1 rebounds per game, while charting 38 total blocks, 16 steals and 15 assists. Montgomery ranked third on the team in blocks and led the team in that category in 14 games.
The 2019 NBA Draft Combine will take place May 15-19 in Chicago, although it hasn’t been determined yet if Montgomery will participate. The 2019 NBA Draft is June 20 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
(STORY FROM UK ATHLETICS)
