Kelly Oubre to Declare for 2015 NBA Draft: Latest Details and Reaction

Kelly Oubre Jr. only played one season for the Kansas Jayhawks, but he is taking his talents to the NBA. Kansas announced the decision on its website Wednesday:

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Kansas freshman guard Kelly Oubre, Jr., will declare for the 2015 NBA Draft, the 6-7 guard announced Wednesday. In lieu of a press conference, Oubre chose to keep his decision between himself, his dad (Kelly Oubre, Sr.) and head coach Bill Self before making his announcement public.

"I'm leaving the University of Kansas for the upcoming NBA Draft," Oubre said. "It's always been a dream to play in the NBA. This is an opportunity to play against the best in the world and expand my game in hopes of someday becoming one of those great players. It's been a great year. I've been blessed to be here at the University of Kansas. I was blessed to go through the things that I went through and I was blessed to play for coach (Bill Self). He taught me a lot this year, the little things that will help out my game a lot."

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"I talked with guys who have been in this situation before me and they told me different things," Oubre said. "JoJo (Joel Embiid) said he knows what I am going through and he told me his process and some of the things he went through. It's definitely been a hard and tough decision and I've come to this conclusion."

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Head coach Bill Self shared his thoughts about the decision:

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"This should come as really no surprise to anybody that has followed us," Kansas head coach Bill Self said. "Kelly came in being well thought of by NBA personnel and certainly, nothing has changed in that regard. In the time he was here he's been a great ambassador, a great teammate and, obviously, a very talented player."

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Evan Daniels of Scout.com first reported the news on Wednesday, and Oubre's father later confirmed to Rustin Dodd of The Kansas City Star that his son was indeed going. Dodd mentioned the wing was projected as a late lottery pick.

Oubre averaged 9.3 points and five rebounds per game in his one year in Lawrence, but it is more about upside than production when it comes to his draft stock. At 6'7", he brings size and athleticism to the backcourt and could contribute right away as a rookie at the next level.

Jason King of Bleacher Report commented on that upside when Oubre fouled out in Kansas’ NCAA tournament loss to the Wichita State Shockers:

Charlie Neibergall/Associated Press

Oubre is a formidable ball-handler, can get out in transition and uses his speed and athleticism to get to the rim with an explosive first step. Once he gets in the lane, he is big and strong enough to finish through contact, which will certainly help him at the next level.

Oubre can also hit from beyond the three-point line (35.8 percent on the season), which makes his ability to attack the basket and play above the rim all the more dangerous. If defenders give him space, Oubre can drill the perimeter shot, but he will blow past opponents if they press up on him.

The same size and athleticism combination that helps him score and attack the basket pays dividends on the defensive side of the ball as well. He is long enough to bother shots and quick enough to dart into passing lanes.

If he is able to do that during his rookie season, Oubre will make some NBA coach quite happy.