LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky guard Rajon Rondo is hiring an agent, apparently ending his college basketball career, and hopes to become a high pick in the NBA draft.
Rondo made the announcement Tuesday alongside coach Tubby Smith, who said he would miss the quick point guard. Rondo led the Wildcats this season in virtually every category — points, rebounds, assists and steals.
Rondo was considered the quickest and most athletic of the Wildcats’ guard-heavy lineup. But midway through Kentucky’s disappointing season, Smith benched Rondo and several other starters in an attempt to ignite the team.
Rondo’s classmate, center Randolph Morris, attempted to enter the draft a year ago but went undrafted. He returned to Kentucky this season, but was suspended 14 games for his association with a sports agent.
Press Conference Quotes
Head Coach Tubby Smith
?We don?t want to see Rajon leave but we understand that this is a dream of his and we?re confident that he?ll be very successful at the next level.
?I can tell you unequivocally that I don?t think I?ve ever coached a better athlete or a more talented basketball player in my entire life, so I can tell you that he?s going to be sorely missed.
?I know this is a decision that young people have to make and we?re in this business to help them reach their goals, whatever they may be, and we support our players when they make decisions to pursue their careers and further their education, because it is an education. It?s an education now between the time that he?s made his announcement until the time of the draft, so he?s got to continue to improve.?
?There are things he?s got to get better at and he understands that. I think he?ll go very high, I think he?ll be one of the top players picked. (He?s) one of the best guards, I think, in the country. He did good things for us, we asked a lot of him and he did it. He did a lot for us – rebounding, scoring, and getting some steals – he did it all for us. He?s a big reason why we had such a good run the last couple of years as well. Rajon is a young man who has a lot of confidence in what he is capable of doing.?
Rajon Rondo
?First of all, I want to thank you all for coming today. I?m here to announce my intentions to enter the NBA Draft and hire an agent. I have consulted with my family and trusted advisors and I feel comfortable with the feedback I have received regarding my draft status. I want to thank Coach [Tubby] Smith, the UK staff and my teammates for all of the support I have been given on and off the court. Coach Smith has given me tough love, which I believe has made me a stronger ball player and a better person. As far as the NBA, I believe I can compete for a strong position in the first round. I understand that I have a lot of hard work that lies ahead, and I am prepared for that challenge. I know I will start at the bottom and have to work my way up. I am not afraid to do what is required to become one of the top point guards in the NBA if given the chance.
?My number one supporter is my mother, Amber. I want to thank her, my brother Will and my sister Dymon for their love and support. Also, I want to thank my high school coaches, Doug Bibby and Coach Steve Smith. Last, but not least, I am appreciative of all the UK basketball fans and boosters. Being a Wildcat and playing in front of the greatest fans in college basketball has been a highlight in my life.?
On when he made the decision to enter the NBA draft …
?Last week, before Coach [Smith] went to the NCAA Tournament, I spoke with him. He gave me his best wishes, and we both agreed that this is the best thing for me to do.?
On leaving Kentucky after his sophomore season?
?It was always a dream to go to the NBA, however long it took me. If it would have taken four years, I would have stayed four. I have had a lot of success to this point, so I think that it?s best for me to leave right now.?
On the ?tough love? he has received from Smith during his two years with the program?
?I just learned how to handle adversity. What doesn?t kill you makes you stronger. He?s always on me and that?s just going to prepare me for the next level. I want to thank him for that and for making me a better player.?
On what gave him the confidence to decide to enter the NBA draft?
?I think I had a great summer last year on the USA team, which put my stock up a little bit. I think I did enough of the little things throughout the year to keep my stock where it was. I think I had a decent season.?
On what he feels he needs to work on between now and the NBA draft?
?I think everyone knows that I am going to try to improve my jump shot. I am just going to try to go out and shoot with confidence.?
On the statement he was making by hiring an agent?
?I definitely want to be 100 percent in what I?m doing in my decision. I am very confident that I will prove my game to the scouts.?
On what stands out about his time at Kentucky?
?It?s hard work. I played with great players and I?m not always going to be the best player on the court. You?ve got to play a role, so these last few years I have tried to play my role and do the little things.?
