Former University of Kentucky basketball players Brandon Knight and DeAndre Liggins were among a select group of 54 players invited to participate in an NBA pre-draft combine in Chicago next week.

Would-be UK player Enes Kanter, Lexington native Shelvin Mack of Butler, Morehead State rebounding machine Kenneth Faried and Kentucky native Scotty Hopson of Tennessee also were invited.

The combine also will include former college stars such as Kemba Walker of Connecticut, Derrick Williams of Arizona, Kyrie Irving of Duke, and Jimmer Fredette of Brigham Young in addition to Southeastern Conference standouts Tobias Harris of Tennessee, Chandler Parsons of Florida, and Travis Leslie and Trey Thompkins of Georgia.

During the May 18-22 combine, players will take part in drills and measurements and meet with NBA personnel.

Herald-Leader Staff Report