Jayden Quaintance declares for NBA DRaft

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – Jayden Quaintance has officially declared for the 2026 NBA Draft after his lone season with the Wildcats.

He played just four games this past season while dealing with a knee injury. Most notably against St. John’s Red Storm in Atlanta, where Quaintance finished with 10 points, eight rebounds and two blocks in 17 minutes.

Quaintance posted on X:

“Thank you Wildcat nation! The last two years have been the most challenging and rewarding of my life. I experienced highs I could only dream of as a kid, and lows that are every athlete’s worst nightmare. Through it all, I learned so much about myself and grew as a man. My college journey didn’t end the way anyone hoped, but I’m thankful for the unwavering support along the way.

Thank you to Coach Cal for taking a chance on me out of high school, and Bobby Hurley and Mark Pope for believing in me and preparing me for this moment. My full-circle experience with Kentucky has been the opportunity of a lifetime. I still remember that roar at Rupp Arena after I signed in 2024, and seeing it through with the St. John’s win in Catlanta for my first game back is something I’ll always cherish.

Like you, I wanted more, but I hope Big Blue Nation continues to support me as I chase my dreams. I’ll always bleed blue and proudly represent the Wildcats.

With that being said, I’d like to announce that I will be entering the 2026 NBA Draft!”