Kentucky Wildcats Basketball: Marcus Lee to return, won’t declare for NBA Draft

It’s rare that a freshman who only averages 6.3 minutes per game gets any attention for the NBA Draft board, but Kentucky Wildcats freshman C/F Marcus Lee was definitely getting some looks.

Per a scout.com report, the 6-foot-9 Lee put any of that news to bed when he announced today that he’ll be returning to Kentucky for at least one more season.

“I’ve really enjoyed my college experience and I’m looking forward to continuing to develop as an all-around player,” Lee said. “Playing in the Final Four was such an amazing feeling, but I want to come back and help win that final game this year.”

It was in an outstanding performance on the way to the Final Four against Michigan that got Lee on the draft radar at all, putting up a 10-point, eight-rebound, two-block game in the Elite Eight against the higher seeded Wolverines.

With Julius Randle expected to declare for the NBA Draft, Lee will be able to step in and pick up where he left off in the NCAA tournament, filling that need in the Wildcats’ front line.

Kentucky Coach John Calipari concurs.

“I’m excited for Marcus and think he’s barely scratched the surface of what he’s capable of,” Calipari said. “In addition to his athleticism and the energy level he brings, the experience he gained in the NCAA Tournament this year will be immeasurable for us next season.”