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Last Wednesday, Chris Livingston declared for the NBA Draft but is leaving his options open for a possible return next season.

Livingston averaged 6.3 points and 4.2 rebounds per game during his freshman campaign and will base his decision on evaluations from the NBA. The draft combine is May 15-21, and the deadline to decide to return to campus is May 31.

“Basketball means everything to me, and it was a dream of mine to be a part of an incredible basketball program like the University of Kentucky,” Livingston said. “Thank you to Big Blue Nation, my teammates and all the coaches and staff for your support.”

Livingston thanked his supporters and is anxious to see what happens during the evaluation process.

“From middle school, high school, and AAU to now, many people have helped motivate and inspire me to achieve my goals,” Livingston said. “Thank you to my mom, grandparents, brother and sister for the sacrifices they made along the way. With that being said, I’m declaring for the 2023 NBA Draft. It’s only up from here.”

Livingston played in 34 games last season and started 26 of those contests. He was an All-Southeastern Conference Freshman team performer and tallied double figures in seven games. He was named SEC Freshman of the Week during the week of Feb. 20 after he averaged 12.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game.

“I’m excited for Chris and his family to go through this part of the process on his journey,” Kentucky coach John Calipari said. “Coming in as a physical wing, Chris showed substantial growth as this season went on and proved to be a capable scorer, reliable defender and a relentless rebounder.”