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3 reasons why Kentucky basketball can win the 2024 National Championship

By Mat Mlodzinski

HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 03: the Final Four logo on a basketball during the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Final Four championship game between the Connecticut Huskies and the San Diego State Aztecs at NRG Stadium on April 03, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 03: the Final Four logo on a basketball during the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Final Four championship game between the Connecticut Huskies and the San Diego State Aztecs at NRG Stadium on April 03, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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Chris Livington could make it all come together

NBA Draft prospect Chris Livingston could opt to return to Kentucky. And he might be the missing piece of a championship roster.

Livingston is listed as a possible first-round pick by at least one NBA Draft site but hasn’t signed with an agent, leaving the door open for him to return to Lexington. The deadline to return to school is May 31.

For Livingston, it’s a tough decision. He could be a solid draft pick and make an NBA roster next season. If he returns to college, there’s a chance his stock could skyrocket up into a potential lottery pick. But nothing is ever set in stone.

What is most intriguing about Livingston is the way he ended the season. He only averaged a bit over 6 PPG and 4 RPG as a freshman. But toward the end of the season, Livingston started taking off. He hit double-digits in points in 5 of the last 11 games of the season. He also hit the boards better, outperforming his average during that same stretch.

Two of Livingston’s best games of the season, 12 points and 10 rebounds against No. 10 Tennessee, and a 10-point, 15-rebound coming out party at Florida, were during the final regular season push.

If Livingston returns, expect to see more of those types of games. The losses of Antonio Reeves, Carson Wallace, Jacob Toppin, Sahvir Wheeler, and CJ Frederick should open up much more room for Livingston to put in work offensively.

While Livingston is far from star status, he has the potential to take a major jump in his sophomore season. On a team that will be made up of mostly freshmen and transfers, Livingston could be the key experienced Wildcat that brings it all together.

And with the talent on this roster, with more to come, a 9th banner could be on the horizon.

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