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Kentucky loses guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to the 2018 NBA Draft

Kansas State v Kentucky

ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 22: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #22 of the Kentucky Wildcats handles the ball against Dean Wade #32 of the Kansas State Wildcats in the first half during the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament South Regional at Philips Arena on March 22, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

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Kentucky guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander became the latest one-and-done Wildcat as the freshman is entering the 2018 NBA Draft and signing with an agent, he announced on Monday.

The 6-foot-6 Gilgeous-Alexander is expected to be a first-round pick in this draft after a breakout freshman campaign. Although Kentucky brought in a recruiting class with five McDonald’s All-Americans, Gilgeous-Alexander wasn’t one of them, as he was slept on a little bit as a four-star recruit.

Gilgeous-Alexander quickly showed he was one of the Wildcats’ best players as he put up 14.4 points, 5.1 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game this season. With good shooting splits (40 percent from three, 81 percent from free throw) and size at the lead guard spot, Gilgeous-Alexander has unique upside at the next level.

One of two Kentucky players expected to be taken in the first round, along with Kevin Knox, Gilgeous-Alexander is hoping to become the latest John Calipari guard to successfully transition into the NBA.