COUSINS: Calipari Advised Me To Go Pro

Updated: April 15, 2010, 1:19 PM ET

Cousins: Calipari advised me to go pro

Associated Press

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Kentucky center DeMarcus Cousins says coach John Calipari practically ordered him to head to the NBA rather than return for his sophomore season with the Wildcats.

Cousins is one of five Kentucky underclassmen who have declared for the NBA draft. The 6-foot-10 center was named the Southeastern Conference freshman of the year and is projected to be a top 10 pick in the draft.

Cousins said he loved his one season with the Wildcats but couldn't pass up the opportunity to turn professional. He averaged 15.1 points and 9.9 rebounds for Kentucky, which went 35-3 and won the SEC regular-season and tournament titles.

Cousins already has hired an agent and said he's eager to play at the next level, but will cherish his year at Kentucky.


Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

I'm gonna miss Cousins probably as much as Wall and Patterson. I'm glad the kid is going pro and starting on his future, but if he would've stayed, I think he would've had a Chuck Hayes type following. I don't see how anyone couldn't love this guy.