Chris Livingston was expected by many to withdraw from the 2023 NBA draft and return to Kentucky, but the 19-year-old opted to stay in and forgo his remaining eligibility.
Livingston initially declared for the draft on April 12 while maintaining the right to return to school. The news surfaced hours before the early entry withdrawal deadline that he had decided to remain in the draft and leave the Wildcats.
After participating in various on-court drills at the combine last month, and speaking with teams, Livingston believed the right decision was to stay in the draft.
“I felt ready,” Livingston said on Monday after working out with the Indiana Pacers. “I know I’m ready for this jump, and, two, the feedback I was getting from teams was positive. I’ve been killing my workouts, so that was one of the main things that put me in a position to stay.”
Livingston was named to the SEC All-Freshman team after averaging 6.3 points and 4.2 rebounds on 42.9% shooting from the field. He scored in double figures seven times, including a season-high 14 points on Dec. 17 in a loss to UCLA.
He is viewed as a possible second-round pick this year. He has had the opportunity to perform in front of teams during workouts and has met with at least four teams thus far. It is an important stage for him to showcase himself to teams.
Livingston explained what he wants to showcase to teams.
I want to show that I got a good feel for the game. I know how to make the right play. (I want to) show how good my handle is and that I can also make shots, especially in catch-and-shoot situations. Those are the main things I want to show offensively and also, defensively, I just want to show how hard I can play and that I can guard 1-4 and be really versatile.
Livingston will continue to have the chance to meet with teams ahead of the draft and work to improve his positioning. He felt strongly about the decision to leave school and now looks to prove himself until the draft on June 22.
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