Kentucky Basketball: Marcus Lee "85%-87%" likely to remain in NBA Draft

Marcus Lee struggled during the five-on-five portion of the Combine but seems set on leaving Kentucky basketball one year early.

During media sessions Friday at the NBA Draft Combine, forward Marcus Lee said he was “maybe 85 percent to 87 percent” likely to remain in the NBA Draft, opting to forgo his senior season at Kentucky.

Despite a rough showing in five-on-five scrimmages the past few days, Lee seems to have his mind made up in terms of his big decision. He clearly wants to take the next step in his basketball career, though most draft ratings do not bode well for the 6-10 forward.

Nearly all mock drafts have Lee on the outside looking in, though Lee has told reporters a few teams have said they are considering taking him in the second round.

In Friday’s interviews, Lee stated it was not a guarantee he was gone, and was still awaiting some more feedback before making a final decision in the coming days (May 25 is the deadline).

If he did return, the Antioch, CA native will give Kentucky fans quite a reason to be excited for next season. According to Kyle Tucker of the Louisville Courier-Journal, Lee said, “Our team would be amazing. I honestly don’t think we’ll lose all season if I return.”

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Lee’s decision has major implications for the Wildcats’ roster for the upcoming 2016-17 season. Though the projected top five team would be losing a former five-star recruit and veteran leader, the top center in the class of 2016 is potentially chomping at the bit to take Lee’s scholarship in Lexington.

Marques Bolden, the 6’11 center out of DeSoto, Texas is in the process of deciding between Kentucky and Duke, and Lee’s decision to enter the draft may be the deciding factor in his final destination.

As of now, Kentucky is at the scholarship limit if both Isaiah Briscoe and Lee return to school for another season. Briscoe failed to receive an official invitation to the NBA Combine, thus making a return for his sophomore season likely.

If Lee decides to officially enter the Draft and sign with an agent, Bolden has the opportunity to commit to Kentucky and potentially immediately start for yet another loaded roster. If Lee decides to return, the team will have an athletic veteran big at their disposal who is comfortable and experienced in Coach Cal’s system.

How Lee finishes out in individual workouts and interviews will certainly determine his decision in the coming days. If he can pull a few tricks up his sleeve and persuade a team to take him in the second round, look for him to take a shot at making his NBA dreams come true.

Next: Isaiah Miles has a dominant day two in Chicago

And that decision could open the door for more firepower in the Kentucky front court.

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Kentucky Basketball: Marcus Lee “85%-87%” likely to remain in NBA Draft

By Jack Pilgrim | May 14, 2016

Marcus Lee struggled during the five-on-five portion of the Combine but seems set on leaving Kentucky basketball one year early.

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