Kentucky star freshman Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is widely projected to be selected as a top-five pick if he enters for the NBA Draft this year, but his mother said Thursday that her son had not made up his mind about leaving school.
Citing multiple unidentified sources, ESPN reported Thursday that the Somerdale, N.J., native would announce he was entering the draft after Kentucky finishes its season.
The 6ft 7in small forward's mother told The Star-Ledger the report was a "lie."
"It was terrible timing and in bad taste," Cindy Richardson said of the report, which came as her son prepares for a sudden death Sweet 16 matchup against Indiana in Atlanta on Friday night.
"He's enjoying his college season. Once it's all over Michael will sit down with his mother and his father and make a decision that's best for him. ... Right now, we haven't even discussed it. Michael, his mom, or his father — we have not discussed the NBA at all."
Kidd-Gilchrist also denied the report Thursday, saying on Twitter, "I don't know where this is coming from. This is MY decision. Right now all I'm focused on my Teammates and winning Games."
The 18-year-old is averaging 11.5 points and 7.6 rebounds per game in his first season with the Wildcats.
