Michael Kidd-Gilchrist reportedly set to declare for NBA Draft

Kentucky forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist will head to the NBA after his freshman year.

Kentucky is still alive in the NCAA Tournament, with a game against Indiana in the Sweet 16 on Friday night.

"He hopes he'll be able to announce right after they win the NCAA championship," a source told ESPN. "But even if they don't win it all, he's coming. He knows he's going to be a top-5 pick. He can't pass that up."

The decision marks a change of tune for Kidd-Gilchrist, who told reporters earlier this month that he would stay in school through his senior year.

"I'm graduating here," he said then. "I'm not going anywhere. I'm staying at Kentucky."

Draft Express has Kidd-Gilchrist listed as the third-best pro prospect.

“If you just watch a little tape on him, you are not going to appreciate what he does for that team,” an NBA scout told Sporting News. “He will defend, he will hit the deck for loose balls, he will make the smart plays. Whatever Cal needs, this guy does. He’s a winner.”