NBA Draft 2012: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist Reportedly Set to Go Pro

So much for staying in school.

According to Chad Ford of ESPN Insider, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist will announce his intentions to enter himself into the 2012 NBA Draft pool once Kentucky's run through the 2012 NCAA Tournament comes to an end.

This, after the freshman phenom for the Wildcats told the media earlier this month that he wouldn't be leaving Lexington just yet:

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"I'm graduating here. I'm not going anywhere. I'm staying at Kentucky."

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The 6'7" New Jersey native is averaging 11.8 points and 7.6 rebounds per game in a starting role for John Calipari's squad this season. Aside from his obvious physical gifts and on-court skills, Kidd-Gilchrist's long been lauded for his effort, intensity and coachability, particularly for a star prospect of his stature.

Kidd-Gilchrist is widely considered to be a top five pick in the upcoming draft, with some pegging him as the second-best talent among eligible players behind only teammate Anthony Davis.

He's failed to score in double figures in each of Big Blue's last three games, though his so-so stats have hardly deterred scouts from drooling over his potential and haven't hindered the 'Cats' hopes of winning a national title.

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