Mercer to Leave Kentucky Early for NBA

Kentucky forward Ron Mercer, the leading scorer in the Southeastern Conference, is giving up his last two seasons of eligibility to enter the NBA draft.

Kentucky Coach Rick Pitino, who predicts Mercer will be one of the top four picks in the draft, said it was important for the decision to be announced now.

“If you say you’re going, then he can concentrate on the NCAA tournament and help us win another championship,” Pitino said.

Mercer would not comment on his plans before practice Monday. He is to discuss the matter at a news conference Wednesday.

However, he says he has taken out an insurance policy to cover him until the NBA draft in June.

Mercer, a 6-foot-7 sophomore from Nashville, is averaging 18.0 points and 5.2 rebounds.