Kentucky forward Chris Livingston declares for 2023 NBA Draft
Kentucky forward Chris Livingston has declared for the 2023 NBA Draft, he announced via Instagram. He just wrapped up his freshman season with the Wildcats and will maintain his eligibility with a May 31 deadline to decide, Kentucky Athletics said.
“Basketball means everything to me, and it was a dream of mine to be a part of an incredible basketball program like the University of Kentucky,” Livingston wrote in his post. “Thank you to Big Blue Nation, my teammates and all the coaches and staff for your support. From middle school, high school, and AAU to now, many people have helped motivate and inspire me to achieve my goals. Thank you to my Mom, grandparents, brother and sister for the sacrifices they made along the way.
“With that being said, I’m declaring for the 2023 NBA Draft. It’s only up from here.”
Kentucky coach John Calipari also provided a brief statement about Livingston’s plans.
“I’m excited for Chris and his family to go through this part of the process on his journey,” Calipari said, via On3 and KSR’s Jack Pilgrim.
Livingston started 26 games this season and made 34 appearances. He averaged 6.3 points and 4.2 rebounds per game while shooting 42.9% from the floor in 22 minutes per contest.
Livingston played high school hoops at Oak Hill Academy (Ohio), where he was a five-star prospect. He was the No. 16 overall recruit in the 2022 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.
More on the 2023 NBA Draft
The 2023 NBA Draft is set to take place on Thursday, June 22, 2023, in Brooklyn at Barclays Center. Round 1 of the draft will be announced by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, while Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum is expected to handle the second round of picks.
To be eligible for the NBA Draft, players must be at least 19 years in age during the calendar year that the draft is held and at least one NBA season from their high school graduation date, or the date that would have been if they are not graduated. It is not required that player spend that one year playing college basketball, though. Players can play in either college, abroad, or the G League Ignite if they choose so.
While this is a significant change from what the rules once were, players are eligible to enter their names into the NBA Draft pool and explore their options by hiring an agent to go through the process, while still keeping their college eligibility. The deadline to make that move is on April 23 beginning at 11:59 p.m. ET. Players have until June 12 at 5 p.m. ET to withdraw their name from the pool and return to college.
The NBA Draft Lottery will be held on May 16, which is also the start of the NBA Conference Finals.