Kentucky forwards Wenyen Gabriel and Jarred Vanderbilt will forgo their college eligibility and remain in the 2018 NBA draft.
The two players announced their decisions via Twitter on Wednesday evening after both originally declared without signing with an agent.
Gabriel averaged 6.8 points and 5.4 rebounds during his sophomore season, while Vanderbilt averaged 5.9 points and a team-best 7.9 rebounds in playing 14 games.
To the best fans in the world, I couldn’t be more honored to have worn that Kentucky name across my chest for the past two years. It truly has been a blessing. To all those who have supported me, I just want to say thank you. My time here will never be forgotten… wish me well! pic.twitter.com/zpukdXMcf1
— UPMΛN™ (@WenyenGabriel) May 30, 2018
BBN, Thank you for endless support and being patient with me through this decision. Kentucky will always be my second home!!! ?⚪️ pic.twitter.com/awGVHQ2MwJ
— Jarred Vanderbilt (@JVando) May 31, 2018
Vanderbilt missed the first 17 games of the season due to injury and returned for the bulk of SEC play before missing the team’s final six games.
Despite losing Gabriel and Vanderbilt, Kentucky head coach John Calipari did get a boost with the return of PJ Washington, who announced that he would be returning to school for his sophomore season.
Calipari loses three of his top four scorers from this past season, but returns Washington and a highly-talented freshman class that currently ranks No. 2 in the country.
The Wildcats went 26-11 overall and made it to the Sweet 16 before losing to Kansas State.