As expected, Kentucky Wildcats freshman Rob Dillingham has decided to take his talents to the NBA. The 19-year-old has now called time on his collegiate career after just one season after officially declaring for the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft.
Apart from his decision to enter the draft, it has also been reported that Dillingham has decided to follow in the footsteps of LeBron James by hiring the same sports agency as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, Klutch Sports Group, to represent him.
Kentucky Wildcats News: Rob Dillingham Officially Declares for 2024 NBA Draft
Dillingham announced his decision on Tuesday on ESPN’s NBA Today program with Malika Andrews. The 6-foot-2 guard has opted to forgo the remaining years of his eligibility in the NBA — a decision that he says he arrived at with the help of his family:
“This was a decision I made with my family,” Dillingham said, via Jonathan Givony of ESPN. “I felt prepared. Coach Calipari taught me a lot about how to be a better teammate and that it was not all about me.”
Dillingham also sent a special shoutout to UK head coach John Calipari, who is now also headed out of Kentucky after 15 years at the helm. The one-time NCAA champion coach is reportedly finalizing a deal to become the new head coach of the Arizona Razorbacks.
It is unclear if Dillingham’s decision to part ways with the Wildcats was influenced by Calipari’s departure.
“It was an up-and-down season with a lot of great moments,” Dillingham said. “We won a lot of games with a young team. It was a great learning experience, and it was amazing to share it with my teammates. I learned how to be for everyone; that’s what wins games. Coach Cal has done a lot for Kentucky. I feel like he’s a great coach. Wherever he goes, he’ll be a great coach.”
Rob Dillingham Signs With Klutch Sports Group
Dillingham has picked Klutch Sports as the sports agency that will represent him now that he’s turning pro. LeBron’s long-time agent and good friend Rich Paul will likely take on the mantle in terms of helping the now-former Kentucky star achieve his objectives in the NBA.
For his part, however, Dillingham, who is projected to be a Top 5 lottery pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, is keeping his feet on the ground:
“It doesn’t matter what pick I am, if I get picked 60th,” he said. “I want to go to a team that trusts me and can help me build, and I can build with them, and make me better. I just want to help my team win, and they can develop me and teach me things.
“Anyone can be special if they put their mind toward it. Just have confidence. It’s about what you put your mind into.”
Any team in the NBA would benefit significantly from the addition of this young man who appears to have a very bright future ahead of him.
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