Kentucky redshirt freshman Jemarl Baker has entered the NCAA transfer portal the school announced Wednesday.
Baker is a 6-4 shooting guard who missed the entire 2017-18 season with a knee injury. He averaged 2.3 points in a reserve role for the Wildcats this season, but saw his minutes increase later in the season.
Baker notified Kentucky of his decision on Wednesday and will have the ability to transfer to any school without any restrictions, per NCAA rules.
“I want to thank the Big Blue Nation for supporting me during my two years at Kentucky,” Baker said. “You are truly the best fans in the country and I’ve enjoyed my time here wearing the Blue and White.
“However, after talking with Coach Cal, the staff and my family, I feel it’s in my best interest to continue my academic and basketball career elsewhere. I’ve made life-long relationships with my brothers and the staff at Kentucky and have improved so much as a player. I’m thankful for the opportunities it’s given me to be a part of this historic program.”
Baker appeared in 28 games during his redshirt freshman season with 64 points, 15 rebounds, 12 assists and 13 3-pointers. Known more for his ability to spread the floor with his outside shot, he earned his way on to the court this season and became a key reserve because of his ability to defend.
Baker’s decision comes on the same day that freshman Keldon Johnson announced his was staying in the NBA Draft – a day after freshman guard Tyler Herro announced he was doing the same.
Kentucky’s roster had 13 players on it at the start of the 2018-19 season. Guard Quade Green transferred to Washington over Christmas break. Herro, Johnson, and P.J. Washington have declared for the NBA Draft with no intention of returning to Kentucky. Reid Travis and Jonny David were seniors. That leaves Kentucky with a set roster of six players that includes two coaches’ sons – Brad Calipari (redshirt) and Zan Payne (injured) who did not play this season.
Kentucky has signed 6-3 combo guard Tyrese Maxey and 6-6 forward Dontaie Allen. However, Allen tore his ACL in December, and his status is not immediately known for the fall.
The Wildcats have also received commitments from 6-6 forward Kahlil Whitney and 6-7 forward Keion Brooks. They will also have 6-9 Bucknell transfer Nate Sestina, who will be eligible immediately as a graduate transfer.
That would leave Kentucky with 11 players on their roster, including Calipari and Payne. Division I schools are allowed 13 scholarship players.
(Information for this story was also obtained from the Kentucky Athletics Department)