Marcus Lee opens up about life after UK Basketball

Kentucky coach John Calipari has said on many occasions that the Kentucky basketball program “isn’t for everyone.”

The stage can be too big, the spotlight of instant and continuing celebrity too bright and the constant flux of elite talent into the program too upsetting for development.

A recent picture on Twitter depicted four Wildcats that could have played their senior campaign in Lexington. They were Karl Anthony Towns, Devin Booker, Tyler Ulis and Trey Lyles.

Of course, all four players entered the NBA early and are enjoying their professional careers. But not everyone goes pro after coming to UK. Instead, some players end up transferring, hoping to find greener pastures elsewhere.

Marcus Lee is one of them. The 6-10 leaper played three seasons in Lexington, averaging 3.9 points and 3.6 rebounds. During his stay, Lee and the Cats appeared in two Final Fours.

After his third season, Lee made the decision to declare for the NBA Draft, a move that puzzled many. After deciding to remove his name from draft consideration, Lee made another move to transfer from Kentucky and enroll at Pac-12 program California.

After sitting out last season, Lee has played is senior year at Berkeley and averaged 11.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks for the 8-22 Golden Bears.

Lee says he has no regrets making the decision though.

“It’s always felt like the right decision,” Lee stated in an interview with 247. “Never since I’ve been here has it felt like a bad decision. Here is right where I need to be.”

As he finishes up his senior campaign, Lee isn’t thinking too much about the future.

“I’ve been trying not to think about what is next. That question kind of freaks me out. I just want to be doing something that spreads hope and spreads joy wherever I am.”

Speaking for Big Blue Nation, we hope you are doing the same thing too Marcus. Thanks for being a Wildcat.