Terrence Clarke played in only eight games but is putting his name into the NBA Draft. (SEC Photo)
As soon as he committed to Kentucky the expectation was that Terrence Clarke would be another one-and-done player for coach John Calipari. He was a top 10 player in his recruiting class and considered a likely lottery pick in the 2021 NBA draft by many before he ever played his first game at Kentucky. He was a consensus five-star prospect and led Brewster Academy to the 2019 national prep championship and into the 2020 national title game before the pandemic ended the season.
Clarke was seen as an explosive scorer, the kind of player UK had not had the past few seasons. The 6-7 Clarke score in double figures in four of UK’s first five games and shot 49 percent overall from the field. However, he hurt his leg against North Carolina in game six, played an ineffective 14 minutes the next game against Louisville, and then went over two months without playing again before making an appearance in UK’s season-ending loss to Mississippi State.
He finished the season averaging 9.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game and had trouble hitting 3-point shots. Yet no one can really be surprised that he still announced Friday he was putting his name into the NBA draft, would hire an agent, and would not be back at Kentucky.
“As an adolescent, having the privilege to put on the Kentucky uniform and play in front of the BBN was always a lifelong goal of mine,” Clarke said. “Although it was hindered due to things out of my own control, the experience is something I will keep with me forever. I have grown a lot with this experience and I will never take it for granted.
“After discussing it with my family, I have decided to renounce my eligibility and declare for the NBA Draft. I had high expectations coming into this season and, of course, didn’t expect to be injured, which I understand is part of the game. Thank you to Coach Cal, the coaching staff, and my teammates! BBN, I hope to make you all proud as a I pursue my dreams.”
Calipari said it was not an easy decision for Clarke and again mentioned how he admired the freshman for the way he “handled adversity” during the season.
“Terrence has unbelievable ability and upside, and my only disappointment for him is that he didn’t have a chance to build on what he started because of the leg injury. Having said that, I am confident in his ability to make a major impact in that league,” Calipari said. “He has great size, can get downhill and score the ball, create for his teammates, and can play and guard multiple positions.
“Terrence showed me a lot this year in how he handled the hand he was dealt and became a great teammate. Like Jarred Vanderbilt, who had a similar challenge, I really believe Terrence’s best days are ahead of him. I will be rooting like crazy for him and I know our fans will be as well.”
Kentucky fans will be happy if he does succeed but I think most will be shocked if he’s a first-round draft pick based on what he showed at Kentucky. One person with NBA ties told me he thought Clarke should return to UK for another year.
“He’s just not ready for the NBA,” the source said. “He needs to be stronger and improve his perimeter skills. He might be drafted but I don’t see him going in the first round unless a team just falls in love with him and I don’t think that is going to happen. He’s probably headed for a year in the G-League. I guess if he thinks that better than another year at Kentucky, he’s making the right choice. But he may not exactly be getting the best advice on what his worth at the next level is right now.”
