“I Would Have Stayed Four Years”: DeMarcus Cousins Makes an Honest NIL Disclosure About His True Feelings About Kentucky

­“I Would’ve Stayed Four Years”: DeMarcus Cousins Reveals His True Feelings About Kentucky in Candid NIL Confession

DeMarcus Cousins, one of the most dominant big men to ever wear Kentucky blue, just dropped a truth bomb that hit home for every member of Big Blue Nation. In a recent revelation, “Boogie” said the words that every Kentucky fan dreams of hearing from their one-and-done superstars:

“I would’ve stayed four years.”

Yes, you read that right. Cousins, who bolted for the NBA after a sensational freshman season in 2010, admitted that if Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities had existed during his time in Lexington, he likely would have stayed longer possibly all four years.

Why? It wasn’t just about the money. For Cousins, it was about the experience.

“I loved the fans. I loved the program,” he said, reflecting on his time with John Calipari’s Cats. “And honestly, I wasn’t even sure I was ready for the NBA yet.”

That admission is both raw and revealing. Cousins averaged 15.1 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game in his lone year at Kentucky, helping lead a loaded team that included John Wall and Eric Bledsoe to an Elite Eight appearance. Even with NBA scouts drooling over his talent, Boogie felt a sense of unfinished business.

Back then, the NBA was calling and players didn’t have the luxury of staying in college while still capitalizing on their fame. NIL has changed the game. Today’s Wildcats can build brands, earn endorsements, and live the college dream while preparing for the next level. Cousins never had that option.

It’s a bittersweet what-if for Kentucky fans. What if Boogie had returned? What if that 2010 team had another shot at a title? But more than that, Cousins’ words are a powerful endorsement of what Kentucky meant and still means to him.

Boogie may be long gone from Rupp Arena, but his heart clearly never left.

Big Blue Nation, take note: when one of the greatest to ever wear the jersey says he wishes he could’ve stayed longer, it speaks volumes about the power of the Kentucky basketball experience.

And thanks to NIL, the next generation of stars just might get to live out that full journey.