I agree with Zagoria on this one, I think only three declare, and honestly wouldn't be surprised if Skal returns as well, regardless of what his handlers tell him.
Briscoe has been underrated all year long, and I really liked him as a player. His shooting was atrocious, but he had fantastic defense, great driving ability, and a jump shot that he grew more and more confident in as the year progressed. He is exactly what next year's team would need, a "glue" guy, a player that has gone through a year and experienced an awful tournament loss. He has a chip on his shoulder that I think would benefit for the freshman coming in. His shooting can only improve from here. I want him back for sure.
Willis will be a major player next year, and I really hope he doesn't transfer out before he lets that happen. He'll be a veteran leader with knockdown three point ability, good rebounding, and developing defense. I think he has the potential for a huge year, and I hope he stays with us to make it happen.
Matthews is a guy that I feel can develop this offseason into a major player next year. He reminds me of an MKG type player, but just hasn't found that same scoring ability yet. Everyone says he's like Liggins, but I think that's selling him short. Matthews will be a fantastic player when his shot develops and he learns to dribble effectively. Hopefully next year is the year.
I hope Lee returns, but I'm 50/50 with him. He just hasn't progressed much in his time at UK, and I'm afraid he might transfer out or go pro to just move on to avoid being stuck in the bottom of the rotation. We found out the hard way that we didn't have enough big bodies this year, so I don't want to hear the "we're stacked, we don't need him back" narrative. Skal, Poythress, Lee, and Humphries were supposed to be a dominant group this year, and look where that got us. I don't want to be stuck again wishing for that "one guy" that could put us over the edge. With our luck, it'd be a shot blocking, alley oop catching big man we need alongside Bam next year, and Lee would be long gone to fit that mold. Everyone wanted Dakari gone last offseason due to his lack of progression and production, but imagine him on this year's team. We'd be still playing. Lee returning would be nothing but beneficial.
Skal will likely go, but I thought the Harrison Twins would leave after their first year, and they returned to raise their draft stock. Skal may decide to do the same thing. He was about as worthless as you can be the majority of the year, and I think that alone could make him want to return to raise his stock. He has shady handlers that want to make a profit off of him, so they'll likely push him out, but I'm hoping he has the nerve to return next year. Man, I can't even imagine this kid with another year in the weight room, practicing, getting stronger, and tweaking his game. His mid range shot is a thing of beauty, and his post hook looked great late in the year, but if he had a couple go-to post moves with a defender on him, he'd be a top 5 pick next year. So much potential out of him, but he's just not ready to show it. I hope he doesn't get shoved into the NBA carousel, and makes an early exit out of the league because he wasn't ready yet. It'd be such a waste of potential. Similar to James Young in the league right now. So raw, D league regular, and not finding his groove. Wouldn't be surprised if he starts getting tossed around from team to team here in the next year or two. Would be a shame if it happened to Skal.
Humphries, Mulder, and Wynyard will be nice role players next year, but probably nothing more. All three are super talented, and wouldn't be the least shocked to see one of them have a "Willis" year, where production and PT developed as the year progressed, but we'll assume minimal playing time for now, especially if Marques Bolden comes.
Poythress is obviously gone, and I thank him for his four years here. Two final fours, several SC Top Ten dunks, and a heart for the game few have. I hope he finds a good spot in the NBA and thrives.
Ulis and Murray are absolutely, positively gone. No other way to put it. They are the best back court we've seen at UK possibly ever, and the NBA will be lucky to have them.
Next year:
Fox
Monk
Briscoe (Possibly)
Adebayo
Lee (Possibly)
Bolden (Possibly)
Willis
Skal (Possibly)
Gabriel
SKJ
Matthews
Hawkins
Mulder
Humphries
Wynyard
Man, might have to platoon again...