Kentucky men’s basketball freshman guard Cason Wallace has announced his decision to enter the 2023 NBA Draft, forgoing his remaining collegiate eligibility. In his announcement through ESPN, Wallace reflected on his time at Kentucky and thanked his teammates and Coach John Calipari for their support.
Wallace, who was named to the All-Southeastern Conference Freshman Team, excelled in various aspects of the game. He ranked among the league leaders in assists per game (2nd), assist-to-turnover ratio (4th), and steals per game (4th). His remarkable performance included recording 63 steals, placing him third in program history for a freshman. Additionally, Wallace tied the Kentucky record for most steals in a single game with eight against Michigan State in the Champions Classic.
UK head coach John Calipari praised Wallace as a play-making guard who is ready to make an immediate impact at the professional level. Calipari highlighted Wallace’s size, game sense, and ability to handle pressure as key factors in his potential success in the NBA.
In his 32 appearances, Wallace averaged 11.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2.0 steals per game. He scored in double figures in 17 games and led the team in steals in 19 contests. In his final game as a Wildcat, he posted an impressive stat line of 21 points, four assists, two steals, and a career-high nine rebounds against Kansas State in the NCAA Tournament.
The 2023 NBA Draft Combine is set to take place from May 15-21, with the NBA Draft itself scheduled for June 22. As Wallace enters the draft, he looks to capitalize on his successful freshman season and make an impact in the professional basketball world.
