BREAKING: TyTy Washington declares for NBA Draft, hires agent

TyTy Washington‘s time at Kentucky has come to an end, officially declaring for the 2022 NBA Draft and hiring an agent. The freshman guard confirmed the news with ESPN on Wednesday, hiring Kevin Bradbury of REP1 Sports for his representation.

Washington told ESPN that he hopes to prove his status as a lottery-level guard as he returns to full strength ahead of the draft in June.

“I wasn’t anywhere close to full strength in the past two months of the season,” Washington told ESPN’s Jonathan Givony. “My ankle had moments where it felt really good and then others it was really hurting. After the Auburn game, that’s when things went downhill. It was a nagging injury that I never really got right. I’m still not 100% now, but I’m getting close.”

He admitted that he played in games he shouldn’t have, but hoped NBA teams valued the toughness he showed to close out the year.

“The warrior mentality instilled in me by my mom and dad had me playing in games that I probably shouldn’t have. I think NBA teams were able to see how tough I am.”

The 6-foot-3 guard finished his one-and-done season averaging 12.5 points, 3.9 assists and 1.2 steals per contest. Prior to his time at Kentucky, he earned Arizona state player of the year honors and led Compass Prep to a 30-2 record his senior year.

“When I was healthy, NBA teams were able to learn that I’m a point guard who can score and facilitate as well,” Washington told ESPN. “Before I got hurt, they saw how good of a shooter I am — able to play with the ball in my hands and without the ball.”

Washington is the first Kentucky player to declare for the NBA and forgo the remainder of his college eligibility. Keion Brooks Jr. is also testing the draft waters, but left the door open for a return to college.