Hamidou Diallo didn't play a minute of Kentucky's 2016-17 season despite being eligible, but on Sunday night the freshman declared for the NBA Draft.

"Playing in the NBA has always been the ultimate goal for me,” Diallo said in a press release. “It’s part of what makes Kentucky so special is that it prepares you for the next level better than anywhere else. When I decided to enroll in school in January, my plan was to come to Kentucky to work on my game and to focus on school. At the end of the season, I knew I wanted to see where I was in the draft process and go through that so I could get a proper evaluation. That plan hasn’t changed and that’s why I am declaring for the NBA Draft."

Diallo said he didn't plan to hire an agent at this time. He said his game has "grown so much" in the four months he's been at Kentucky.

“I don’t know what the next few weeks are going to have in store for me, but I do know I’m going to work as hard as I ever have and keep an open mind," Diallo said. "At the end of the day, this is a learning process for me and I appreciate the Big Blue Nation for being both understanding and supportive of my decision. I can’t thank you enough for making me a part of the family from day one.”

Kentucky coach John Calipari said Diallo, who was a top 10 prospect in the 2017 class before reclassifying, has his full support with this decision.

“It’s in Hami’s best interests to evaluate if now is his time or if he would be better served returning to school," Calipari said. "Whatever Hami ultimately chooses to do, you’re talking about an athletic guard with great ball skills, an unbelievable finisher and a terrific defender. He’s gotten so much better in his four months with us and he’s only going to continue to get better.”

Diallo has until May 24 to withdraw his name from the draft.