Kentucky's Meeks to remain in NBA Draft

Sports Network | June 15, 2009

Lexington, KY (Sports Network) - Kentucky junior guard Jodie Meeks has opted to remain in this month's NBA Draft.

Meeks did not hire an agent, leaving him eligible to return to new head coach John Calipari for his senior season, but announced Monday, the deadline for withdrawing, that he will be a part of the 2009 draft class.

"I want to thank the fans and the city of Lexington. They have been great and I will always be a Kentucky Wildcat," said Meeks through a team release. "I feel comfortable with my decision and I'm confident in my ability. My family and I talked over the weekend and decided this was the best decision."

Meeks led the SEC and finished eighth in the nation in scoring this past season with 23.7 points per game, while scoring a Kentucky-record 54 points in a win over Tennessee back in January.

The 6-foot-4 guard, who started all 36 games this past season, also led the conference in three-point percentage (40.6) and three-pointers made per game (3.25). He also shot 90.2 percent from the free throw line.

The NBA draft takes place on June 25.