Kentucky basketball’s Chris Livingston headed to Bucks as final pick of 2023 NBA Draft

The Milwaukee Bucks selected Kentucky’s Chris Livingston with the final pick of the NBA Draft on Thursday night in New York.

Livingston was the second UK player off the board, following Cason Wallace (10th overall to the Dallas Mavericks/traded to Oklahoma City). His wait was a long one, at No. 58, but maybe for him expected as reports said his agency, Klutch Sports Group, had requested other teams not select Livingston because they had a draft promise.

“Basketball means everything to me, and it was a dream of mine to be a part of an incredible basketball program like the University of Kentucky,” Livingston said when he announced he was entering the NBA Draft. “Thank you to Big Blue Nation, my teammates and all the coaches and staff for your support.

“From middle school, high school, and AAU to now, many people have helped motivate and inspire me to achieve my goals,” Livingston added. “Thank you to my mom, grandparents, brother and sister for the sacrifices they made along the way. ... It’s only up from here.”

Livingston averaged 6.3 points and 4.2 rebounds per game as a freshman. The Akron, Ohio, native played 22.4 minutes per game, earning Southeastern Conference All-Freshman Team honors.

Livingston had seven double-figure scoring games, including four in a five-game stretch in February. He was named SEC Freshman of the Week on Feb. 20 after averaging 12.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and two assists per game in wins at Mississippi State and against No. 10 Tennessee.

“Coming in as a physical wing, Chris showed substantial growth as this season went on and proved to be a capable scorer, reliable defender and a relentless rebounder,” UK head coach John Calipari said when Livingston announced his decision.

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