University of Kentucky student guard Ty Washington Jr. – Expected lottery pick – He will enter the 2022 NBA draft and hire an agent, ESPN said Wednesday.
Washington, who ranked 14th in the latest mock draft of ESPN analyst Jonathan Givoni, plans to hire Kevin Bradbury of REP1 Sports to represent him, sources said.
Washington, a 6-foot-4 guard from Phoenix, has averaged 12.5 points, 3.9 assists and 1.2 steals for the Wildcats this season. Considered one of the elite playmakers in the recruiting class, Washington suffered a sprained ankle against Auburn on January 22 that affected his production. He expects to be able to reintroduce himself to the NBA teams in full force ahead of the June draft.
“I haven’t been anywhere near my full strength in the last two months of the season,” Washington told Jevonne on Wednesday. “My ankles had moments when they felt really good and then I was in a lot of pain. But I’m getting closer.
“The warrior mentality that was instilled in me by my mom and dad made me play games that I probably shouldn’t have been playing. I think the NBA teams were able to see how strong I am.”
Washington has earned his reputation as one of the elite guards in college basketball. He was the Arizona State Player of the Year and Five Star after the 30-2 high school season at Compass Prep.
“When I was in good health, the NBA teams knew I was a goalkeeper who could score and facilitate as well,” Washington told ESPN. “Before I got hurt, they saw how good I am at shooting – able to play with the ball in my hand and without the ball.”
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