Marcus Lee says he’s serious about going to NBA, but he won’t hire an agent

Marcus Lee wants everyone to know he intends on going to the NBA.

“I want people to know I am serious about this,” the Kentucky forward told ESPN’s Jeff Goodman on Wednesday. “I’ve talked to Coach Cal about this, and he definitely understands that I’m going to the NBA this year.”

There is one caveat to this, however. Lee says he hasn't hired an agent in case he decides to come back. His plan, however, is to enter the NBA Draft.

Bryan Lee, Marcus’ brother, told the Herald-Leader’s Jerry Tipton, “He does want to make that jump. That’s his focus and his goal. If not, he’ll back for his senior season.”

Marcus Lee averaged 6.4 points and six rebounds per game last season as a junior. He started 20 of 36 games, shooting 68 percent from the floor (mostly on dunks), but just 40.3 percent from the free throw line.

Jamal Murray, Tyler Ulis and Skal Labissiere from last season’s team have all put their names in the draft and hired an agent, or will hire an agent. Of the remaining players, sophomore-to-be guard Isaiah Briscoe was considered the most likely to remain in the draft -- and that is iffy at best. Briscoe ranks in the 80s as far as prospects for the 2016 NBA Draft.

Chad Ford of ESPN ranks Lee at No. 131 among this year’s prospects. Sam Vecenie of CBS Sports ranks Lee at No. 128. Draft Express doesn't have Lee listed among its top 100 draft prospects.

The NBA Draft Combine is scheduled for May 11-15. Last year, 62 draft prospects were invited to the combine.

This story was originally published April 20, 2016 at 1:26 PM.