LEXINGTON, Ky. (KT) — Tyler Herro’s college career is over.The Kentucky guard announced Tuesday he plans to remain in the NBA Draft instead of leaving open the possibility of returning for a second season.

“After exploring my options a little bit more and getting some immediate feedback, I’ve decided to remain in the draft,” he said. “My hope was always to remain in the draft and begin my lifelong dream of playing in the NBA, but we wanted to be absolutely certain that taking that next step was in my best interests. After the information my family and I received, I believe that time is now and I’m ready to jump into that next stage of my life with both feet.”

Herro joins PJ Washington on a list of players from last year’s team who have declared for the Draft without an option to return for a second season. Keldon Johnson plans to test the waters and has until May 29 to make a final determination on his future. Guards Ashton Hagans and Immanuel Quickly have announced they will return. 

Kentucky coach John Calipari supported Herro’s decision to take the next step.

“As I said last week, Tyler is wired and driven like few other players I’ve coached,” Calipari said. “Tyler was such a pleasure to coach this year because he didn’t let anyone else define what type of player he was; he defined what type of player he was going to be. He made the decision and put in the effort to become a complete basketball player who can score on the bounce, who can shoot it, who can defend and who can rebound. It’s his total package that will make Tyler successful at the next level. I’ve loved coaching him and I can’t wait to see what he does at the next level.”

Herro helped lead the Wildcats to a 30-7 record and was Kentucky’s second-leading scorer behind PJ Washington. Herro averaged 14 points per game and the Wildcats compiled a 19-0 record when Herro scored 15 or more points per game. He shot 39.7 percent from the 3-point line and shot a blistering 93.5 percent from the free-throw line. Herro made 70 of his last 72 free-throw attempts.

“This year was everything I had hoped for and more,” Herro said. “Coach Cal and the staff challenged me to become a complete basketball player, and I truly believe I’ve done that and improved in all areas of my game. I can’t wait to take what I’ve learned to the next level.”

The NBA Draft Combine will be May 15-19 in Chicago. The NBA Draft is set for June 20 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Keith Taylor is sports editor for Kentucky Today. Reach him at keith.taylor@kentuckytoday.com or twitter @keithtaylor21.