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UK basketball freshman Shai Gilgeous-Alexander declares for NBA draft, will hire an agent

LEXINGTON, Ky. - It's time to learn if Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's improbable rise from "sleeper" to Kentucky basketball's best player can end as a NBA draft lottery pick.

On Monday, Gilgeous-Alexander followed classmate Kevin Knox's lead in declaring for the draft and hiring an agent, ending his UK career after one season. Gilgeous-Alexander made the announcement on ESPN's SportsCenter.

A second-team All-Southeastern Conference selection and the SEC Tournament MVP, Gilgeous-Alexander led Kentucky in assists (189) and steals (61) ranked second on the team in scoring (14.4). Gilgeous-Alexander led UK in 3-point percentage (40.3) but attempted just 57 3s in 37 games.