John Calipari endorsed forward Jamal Murray as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft.
The Kentucky coach backed up Murray's bold declaration last week, when he said "I'm the best player in the draft."
Calipari said the Philadelphia 76ers should look at Murray with the top pick in the draft. LSU freshman Ben Simmons and Duke freshman Brandon Ingram are projected as the first two picks in the draft. Villanova point guard Kris Dunn and Oklahoma shooting guard Buddy Hield are expected to be lottery picks as is Murray, who would be the fourth No. 1 pick coached by Calipari at Kentucky.
"If you're going to take the No. 1 pick, you probably should do it from our program,'' Calipari said, noting Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Davis and John Wall went from the Wildcats and onto star status in the NBA.
Prior to that Derrick Rose was the top player drafted while Calipari coached him at Memphis.
"(Murray is) the safest pick. Simmons is really a talent. He's big. He has size, speed and basketball ability and there is LeBronish in him," Calipari said. "Brandon is long and can score the ball. He's a very good player. But it should be Jamal or one of those two guys.''
Calipari said Murray is physically ready and can shoot the lights out. ESPN reported Murray made a record 79 3-pointers in a recent workout with the Celtics.
"What does Philadelphia need more than anything else? Someone to make shots and guard play. I am biased," Calipari said. "I want my guy. But he can play multiple positions, he can physically step in and play right away. He can play the point. He can score in bunches. You watch Golden State. Who really is their point guard? Whoever has it."
Murray, 6-4, was a third-team All-American in his only season in Lexington. He averaged 20 points and shot 40.8 percent from 3-point range.
