LAWRENCE, Kan. — University of Kansas’ Ben McLemore made official Tuesday what many fans already knew.
The freshman guard and St. Louis native announced he’s declaring for the NBA draft.
The news conference lasted about 20 minutes, and after it McLemore became very emotional, leaning heavily on his mother and family there to support him.
McLemore grew up in poverty in suburban St. Louis, and is expected to be picked up quickly by the NBA. In most mock drafts, he’s either #1 or in the top 3 players to be selected.
“As a kid growing up, that’s what I wanted to do and now I have the opportunity to do that and provide for my family,” McLemore said.
“This is not bittersweet at all. This is sweet-sweet,” said Coach Self. “There was no decision to be made.”
Ben McLemore joins Xavier Henry and Josh Selby as freshmen who left the program after playing one year under Bill Self.
