2021 five-star guard TyTy Washington breaks down finalists, upcoming decision with KSR

2021 five-star standout TyTy Washington is the nation’s top unsigned point guard, but not for long. The 6-foot-3 prospect out of Phoenix, AZ is set to make his college commitment on May 15, deciding between the likes of Arizona, Kansas, Kentucky and LSU. Of the finalists, UK quickly emerged as the growing favorite to land the five-star guard over the course of the last week, with the Wildcats picking up six consecutive Crystal Ball picks for Washington over at 247Sports, including three ‘lock’ predictions.

Washington – ranked as high as No. 12 in the nation and No. 2 overall at his position by ESPN – participated in the 2021 Iverson Classic this weekend, which served as the only official All-American event of the year. Leading up to the highly anticipated game Saturday evening, the major Kentucky target sat down with KSR for a one-on-one interview, with the standout guard prospect discussing his time in Memphis for the event, his recruitment, remaining finalists, and his game, among other topics.

What did he have to say? And more specifically, what are Kentucky’s chances going into the home stretch of his recruitment?

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How has this week been at the Iverson Classic?

It’s been really good. When we got out here, they really emphasized that this game is bigger than basketball. They were just making sure that we’re all staying close with each other, showing how Allen Iverson changed the culture for all athletes, male athletes, especially those who are Black. Telling us to be ourselves no matter what, love who you are for who you are. It’s just been a great experience so far.

What’s it like to be playing in the only All-American event of the year?

It means a lot. With us not having EYBL, some of us haven’t been able to compete. Some weren’t able to play their senior years. To be out here competing with all of the top prospects in the country under one roof for a week, competing, you know? Iron sharpens iron. All of us being here, seeing each other’s faces and hanging out, creating bonds, it’s all been really special.

How have the scrimmages and practices been?

It’s been pretty good, a lot of great competition, going at each other. We know that once we get between the lines, there are no friends, we all try to compete, kill each other pretty much. Off the court, we’re all like brothers.

Do you feel like you have something to prove here as the No. 1 unsigned point guard in the nation?

It’s been pretty good. The new ESPN rankings came out and I saw that I was the top unsigned point guard, and it means a lot to me. I don’t let it get to my head or anything of that nature. I know a lot of people are wondering what I can do, so now that I’m here, I want to show them and live up to it.

How has the recruiting process been over the last few weeks?

The last week or two has been a little rough. Once I put my date out, all the schools in my final six, they all started reaching out and doing Zooms. Actually, before I came out here, I squeezed in three Zooms before I even left. It’s just a lot, taking it slowly, day by day, seeing what’s going to be best for me.

What went into the May 15 commitment date?

I was going to do May 12th, it was going to be a Wednesday. But I was like, ‘nah, I’d rather do it a day after my graduation, announce on Saturday the 15th.’

How are you tuning out the noise regarding potential favorites leading up to the announcement?

A lot of people are saying they know where I’m going, which is crazy to me because I don’t even know where I’m going myself. I’ve been out here, haven’t even been focusing on my recruitment. I’m worried about this and making sure I do good in this. When I see that stuff out there, me, my mom, my mom and my uncle, we laugh at it. We just keep moving about our day.

What’s going to be the biggest deciding factor in your commitment?

It’s about my relationship with the coaching staff, pretty much, and style of play. That’s really important.

Bryce Hopkins says he’s been in your ear about joining him in Lexington. What’s that been like?

That’s been good. The very first day I came out here, Bryce was on the same shuttle bus as me, and that was the first thing he said to me. Every time I see Bryce – he’s actually in the room right next door to me – he’s always popping in my room saying it. When I pop in his room, he’s saying it. He’s just always in my ear, talking about how me and him could be really special together (at Kentucky).

Has Daimion Collins been in your ear?

He got in my ear last night when we got back to the hotel after the 3-point contest. He was like, “You know you can shoot that thing down in Lexington with me, right? You know that right?” I was like, “Yeah,” and he just started laughing.

As of today, Kentucky has zero point guards signed on for next season. Does that open spot at the position make UK’s pitch more appealing?

During my recruitment, I’ve been looking for an opportunity to come in and play right away. Having multiple guards on there or no guards on there, the relationship I’ve built with the coaching staff, I’m trusting the words they’re saying. Like for me, they’re saying, “Come in right away and be our point guard.” I know me being a starting point guard, young, as a freshman it’d be really hard. I’d be a freshman playing against experienced guys, but I’d trust the coaches and their plan for me.

Orlando Antigua and Chin Coleman are now on staff. How has that adjustment been? 

It’s been pretty good. When Chin was at Illinois, he tried to get me a little bit. Me and Chin stayed in touch, but once I committed, we kind of went our separate ways. Seeing them go over there (to Kentucky), him building that relationship with me again, it really means a lot.

Is Jai Lucas your lead recruiter?

Yes, Coach Jai and Coach Chin.

You’re officially down to six, but the speculation out there is that you’re deciding between Kentucky, Arizona and Kansas. Are you unofficially down to three?

It’s four, actually. Kentucky, Arizona, Kansas and LSU.

What are your thoughts on the other finalists?

LSU, I have a really good relationship with them over the pandemic. Before I committed we had a good relationship, and then after I committed, Coach (Nickelberry), me and him have been in contact a lot and building our relationship. When I re-opened my recruitment, he was actually one of the first people to hit me up.

Arizona, with their whole coaching staff change, ever since Coach Lloyd joined the staff, his first week he was FaceTiming me like three times a day. He was making sure I was good, just checking up on me, showing that he really cares and that he wants and needs me there.

Kansas, I talk to Coach Self and Coach Townson a lot. Ever since Coach Howard left there, Coach Self made it a priority himself to reach out to me throughout the process. That just shows a lot.

How do you view Kentucky’s difficult season last year? Is it concerning or do you see it as an opportunity to help turn things around in 2021-22?

I followed them throughout this past year, like hey, it’s Kentucky. Everybody wants to watch Kentucky. And me being a basketball head – I like watching basketball – so when I watched them play, I felt like they were just missing a few things that I’m capable of doing. If I were to go there, I think I’d be able to help them.

You’re known as one of the toughest competitors in the senior class. What’s it like to have that reputation? Where does that come from?

I was always taught, no matter what’s going on, if I’m playing good or playing bad, you always need to play hard. You never know who’s watching. At the end of the day, if you’re missing shots or turning the ball over, not doing what you’re supposed to be doing, as long as you’re playing hard and giving energy, you can stay out there. My mom always tells me, you never know who’s in the crowd watching, so make sure you’re always giving 110 (percent). My dad always tells me to not take this game for granted because it can be taken away from you in a snap. I go out there and give it my all like it’s my last.

What is the school you choose getting as a player on the floor and a person off the floor?

On the court, they’re going to be getting a point guard who is going to lead and do whatever it takes to win. Whether that’s me scoring, passing, guarding, taking charges, get a nosebleed, whatever, I’m going to do whatever it takes to win. Off the court, you’re getting someone who is really fun, caring, always make sure my teammates are good and the people around me are good. Off the court, I’m someone you want to kick it with, you know?

You’ve gone out of your way to publicly acknowledge your shooting ability and the numbers from your senior season. How good did it feel to go out and win the 3-point contest?

Coming into this, people didn’t know if I could shoot consistently. People knew I could shoot, but didn’t know if I could do it consistently. Going into that, my goal was just to make shots, show everybody here that I could shoot and do it consistently.

What’s the one thing you plan on working on before arriving on campus?

Definitely my body. I’ve been hitting the weight room three times a week with a trainer, working with him three times a week. But also just tightening up my handle, adding more moves to my bag, sharpening up everything I’ve got in my bag already.