Kentucky’s Ugonna Onyenso told ESPN that he is hiring an agent and declaring for the 2024 NBA draft.
“I’m ready to go to the next level,” Onyenso said. “I’m not thinking about coming back to play college basketball. I’m 100% focused on the NBA.”
Onyenso, ranked No. 47 in the ESPN 100 among NBA draft prospects, averaged 3.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.8 blocks in 19 minutes per game this season. He is one of the most physically gifted prospects in this class, standing 7-feet tall with a 7-foot-4 wingspan and chiseled 247 pound frame. He is an outstanding athlete with impressive mobility covering ground fluidly and quickness getting off his feet for dunks and blocks.
Onyenso missed the first six weeks of the season recovering from ankle surgery in July but entrenched himself as Kentucky’s full-time starter during SEC play, establishing himself as the second-best shot-blocker in college basketball with his 15.3 block percentage.
“I want the NBA to know that I am a big that can shoot the ball,” Onyenso said. “I am not just a defensive player. It’s not only about blocking shots with me. I did what I needed to do to help the team, but I don’t think anyone saw what I am capable of doing. I am excited to show people that . My ability to shoot, put the ball on the floor and create for myself. My goal is to get better these next couple of months, and be confident in everything I need to do in this process.”
Kentucky has undergone significant upheaval in the past week, seeing head coach John Calipari depart for SEC rivals Arkansas, and replacing him with BYU’s Mark Pope, who won the national championship as a player with the Wildcats in 1996.
Onyenso said he is not currently planning to transfer to Arkansas to reunite with Calipari or stay in Lexington to play for Pope.
“As of today, I don’t plan on entering the transfer portal,” Onyenso said. “I feel like I am ready for the NBA. I haven’t met with Mark Pope, I only spoke on the phone with him three days ago. I’m ready to go to the next level and show what I can do, but I’m not closing any doors.”
The NBA draft will be held in New York City on June 26-27. The first round will be conducted at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, followed by the second round the next day at ESPN’s studio in lower Manhattan.
