Hamidou Diallo has declared for the 2018 NBA Draft and will sign with an agent.
ESPN ranks Diallo as the No. 35 prospect in the 2018 draft class and projected him as an early-second-round pick in its most recent mock draft.
“A year ago I tested the waters to get some feedback and then make the best possible decision for my career," Diallo said. "I chose to come back and I’m so happy I did. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Nothing made me prouder than to put that Kentucky name across my chest.
"Coming back to school I knew wasn’t going to be easy Coach Cal told me it would be the hardest thing I would ever have to do and it was. But I grew up and became a man this year on and off the court. I know I’ve only scratched the surface with my game, but I’m now prepared to do it because of the work I’ve put in at Kentucky and the support of everyone at this university. With that said, I’m entering my name into the 2018 NBA Draft and am ready to take the next step.
"Thank you to the Big Blue Nation. You took in a kid from New York and made him once of your own. I love you guys and can’t thank you enough for believing in me and supporting me through everything."