Kentucky's James Young declares for NBA draft

Kentucky freshman James Young will forego his sophomore season and enter his name in this year's NBA draft, the school announced Thursday.

Young is the first UK freshman this season to announce his intention to leave early.

Young, a 6-foot-6 swingman from Rochester Hills, Mich., averaged 14.3 points and 4.3 rebounds in his only season at Kentucky.

ESPN draft guru Chad Ford rates Young the No. 17 prospect available but believes he could sneak into the lottery, which would make him a top-14 pick.