Skip navigation
Favorites
Sign up to follow your favorites on all your devices.
Sign up

Kemba’s timing perfect as others pass on NBA draft

spt-110404-kembka-bkcfront_nbcsports-grid-8x2

Everything’s falling into place for Kemba Walker.

Connecticut’s junior guard just led the Huskies to the NCAA tournament title, claimed Most Outstanding Player honors and is on track to graduate this spring.

Now he’s set to make millions by entering the NBA draft – while others stay in school.

That’s what you call perfect timing.

Sure, Walker said all the things you’re supposed to say after winning the title. (“It would be a lot of fun if I came back,” he said after beating Butler. “These guys are my brothers and I love them. So, if I have an opportunity to come back, it would be special.”) But there’s no way he’s staying in school. None.

But he made it official Tuesday and declared for the NBA draft.

Walker’s gone because it’s the smart thing to do.

Other would-be lottery picks such as Perry Jones, Jared Sullinger and John Henson are staying in school. Harrison Barnes will likely do the same, as will Tristan Thompson. That elevates Walker’s draft stock by comparison, leaving behind only the likes of Kyrie Irving and Derrick Williams.

Not bad. And not that Walker needed too much help. He was the driving force behind the Huskies’ title run, averaging nearly 24 points and five assists in a breakout season. At 6-1 and 180 pounds, he’s got decent size for an NBA point guard and more than enough quickness and speed to make up for any size issues.

Take a bow, Kemba. That’s how one caps off a college career.

You also can follow me on Twitter @MikeMillerNBC.