[Stardust]

But didn't this happen with Mashburn? If I am wrong, someone correct me.

On that year's Senior Night rather than recognizing him before the game with the senior class (since he wasn't a senior), Mashburn was recognized after the game since it would be his last year at UK.

So I don't think you can say it doesn't happen.

Mashburn had indeed announced that he was leaving, and Pitino has said early that year he should go. This was a situation where it was well known that a player was leaving. At this time of the season (March, with only a few games left in the season), underclassmen with potential to leave are always asked this question. PP has been asked this question, and he has not commented with the exception of saying he will consider all options at the end of the season. That's what they should be saying at the very end of the season.