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Johnson’s gone, Hagans announces return to Kentucky

Mississippi State v Kentucky

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY - JANUARY 22: Keldon Johnson #3 of the Kentucky Wildcats shoots the ball against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Rupp Arena on January 22, 2019 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

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The picture for what Kentucky’s roster is going to look like in the 2019-20 season is starting to get a bit clearer.

One day after P.J. Washington announced that he will be heading to the NBA, Keldon Johnson announced the same. Johnson is a 6-foot-6 wing that is projected to be a lottery pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. It would be surprising if he opted to return to school for his sophomore season.

The one name that was on the fence this year was Ashton Hagans, who announced on Tuesday that he will be returning to college for his sophomore season.

“We had a great season this year but I want more,” Hagans said. “I know I’ve only scratched the surface with my game and there’s so much more I want to accomplish at Kentucky. Coach Cal and the staff have challenged me since day one, and I know with another season at UK we can chase some special things with the same mindset. I can’t wait to get back to work with my brothers.”

This is probably the right move. Hagans has the talent to one day be a point guard in the NBA, but he needs to continue to develop his jumper and improve his ability to defend off the ball if he’s going to thrive at that level.