Another potential first round pick has declared for the NBA Draft and James Young is also the first of Kentucky's class of freshmen.

Young, an all-SEC forward, announced his decision on the Kentucky Wildcats' official website Thursday. ESPN ranks Young 17th overall in the 2014 draft class and third among small forwards. He helped his draft stock by scoring 17 in the Final Four victory over Wisconsin and 20 in the National Championship loss to UConn.

"My time at Kentucky has been special to me, something I'll always treasure, but I feel that I'm ready to take the next step to the NBA," Young said in the announcement. "I've learned more this year, on and off the court, about life from Coach Cal and the staff and appreciate all of their guidance and support. I can't say enough about my teammates; the journey helped us build a bond that we will always share for the rest of our lives. I would like to thank the best fans in the country, the Big Blue Nation, and I hope you guys will continue to support me as I move on. I will always bleed blue. Succeed and Proceed!"

Kentucky head coach John Calipari was supportive of his young forward, who will not likely be the last Wildcat to declare for the draft.

"I'm excited for James and his family and the decision he's come to," Calipari said. "From day one, the NBA people who came to our practices in the preseason raved about him. He's done everything we've asked of him all season, investing himself in his brothers for the betterment of the team, and I think we all saw the end result in the tournament and Final Four. Whatever team drafts James is not only getting a superb athlete, they are getting the ultimate teammate."

Duke forward Jabari Parker also confirmed he will declare for the draft and will more than likely be a top-three lottery pick. Young is part of a deep class full of multi-talented guards and forwards.

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