Sacha Killeya-Jones announces plans to transfer from UK
Sacha Killeya-Jones became the second Kentucky big man, following Tai Wynyard last week, to announce his plans to transfer from the program this offseason.
The move comes just hours after five-star Georgia big man E.J. Montgomery announced his commitment to Kentucky.
In a message posted to Twitter, Killeya-Jones wrote, "The past two years at Kentucky have been an amazing journey and I want to thank all of my coaches, teammates, and fans who made it possible. After much deliberation with my family, I have decided that it is in my best interest to ask for my release and explore other opportunities at this time. Thank you for your support through this process."
Killeya-Jones averaged 3.3 points and 2.9 rebounds in an average of 13.7 minutes per game for Kentucky during the 2017-18 season. Both numbers were up modestly from his freshman year during the 2016-17 season, when he arrived at Kentucky as a five-star prospect and McDonald's All-American.
Killeya-Jones made some important contributions for Kentucky at times down the stretch last season, playing 24 minutes and posting eight points and six rebounds in a 78-73 first round victory against Davidson.
But with Montgomery's commitment an undeniable backlog had developed in Kentucky's frontcourt.
Nick Richards, Wenyen Gabriel, Jarred Vanderbilt and P.J. Washington will also be vying for playing time in the Wildcats' frontcourt, along with Montgomery.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is expected to announce his decision on whether to enter and remain in the NBA draft or return to Kentucky tonight, with the widespread belief that he is likely gone as well.