TyTy Washington's father: "Year 1, in the books"

Kentucky freshman guard TyTy Washington has long been seen as a one-and-done, a potential lottery pick from the minute he arrived on campus. A smooth scorer who plays with pace and poise, he’s rarely sped up or slowed down as a ball handler. At his best, Washington was among the best freshmen in college basketball, finishing in double figures in 20 of 31 total games. He would finish the year averaging 12.5 points (45.1% FG, 35% 3PT), 3.9 assists and 3.5 rebounds per contest.

Injuries, though, became an ongoing issue, especially late in the season. Dealing with cramps and ankle injuries, he simply wasn’t himself to close out the season. The points came — he finished in double figures in five of Kentucky’s final eight games — but the efficiency wasn’t. He shot 50 percent from the field or above just once during that stretch.

Could the late-season injury and efficiency issues lead to a potential sophomore year? Maybe Kentucky’s opening-round loss in the NCAA Tournament pushes him back for a revenge tour?

Unlikely. Highly unlikely, even. Washington is still seen as a consensus first-round draft pick on all major mock drafts, with several still including the standout freshman in the lottery.

It should be noted, however, that Washington’s father, Tyrone Washington, had an interesting end-of-season message to keep an eye on.

“Year 1, in the books,” Washington wrote. “Thank you to the GOAT!! (John Calipari).”

Year 1, in the books,
Thank you to the GOAT!! @UKCoachCalipari @tytywashington3 @KentuckyMBB pic.twitter.com/MbIkwC1EYj

— Tee Wash (@TeeWash03) March 19, 2022

“Year 1” is certainly interesting verbiage when talking about a player widely seen as a one-and-done from the start. Why number his years in college if he only plans on being there for one?

Does it mean anything? Again, unlikely. But it’s now the offseason (ugh), and will-he/won’t-he decisions are now at the top of the priority list for the next few months.