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Kentucky guard TyTy Washington announced Wednesday that he is declaring for the 2022 NBA Draft after a standout freshman season for the Wildcats. Washington earned a spot on the SEC's All-Freshman Team and was a second-team All-SEC honoree while helping lead UK to a 26-8 season and No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

The former five-star prospect could be a lottery pick in the draft after proving his versatility throughout the season as the only freshman starter on one of coach John Calipari's more veteran-oriented squads. Though UK's season ended in disappointment with an upset loss to No. 15 seed Saint Peter's in the NCAA Tournament, Washington played a key role in helping UK turn things around after the Wildcats finished 9-16 in the 2020-21 season.

Despite dealing with ankle injuries during the season, Washington finished the year averaging 12.5 points, 3.9 assists and 1.3 steals per game while hitting 35% of his 3-point attempts. The 6-foot-3 guard often played off the ball while the smaller guard Sahvir Wheeler handled primary ball-handling roles. When Wheeler was out due to injury in UK's win over Georgia in January, however, Washington filled in admirably with a school-record 17 assists.

Washington's NBA Draft projection

Washington built value for himself by demonstrating the ability to play on or off the ball. While he is small for a shooting guard, the versatility he displayed will serve him well in the draft. He's also a tenacious defender and insatiably competitive. Washington's motor was on display as he tried to push through injuries on more than one occasion this past season when other players might have shut things down out of concern for their NBA futures.

In Kyle Boone's latest mock draft, Washington is slotted No. 7 overall to the Pacers. He is ranked No. 6 on Boone's big board.

"He's a dynamic offensive weapon that teams are really going to be digging in this range because of his abilities in an expanded role on the ball," Boone wrote. "His production and efficiency as a freshman playing off the ball offers real encouragement that he's far from a one-trick pony."

Impact on Kentucky 

Washington was ranked the No. 15 overall prospect in the 2021 class, according to the 247Sports Composite, so Calipari was aware that Washington would likely be a one-and-done player. Depending on what happens with players like Wheeler and touted mid-year enrollee Shaedon Sharpe, the Wildcats could need to hit the portal for another guard.

But if Wheeler returns, he and incoming five-star guard Cason Wallace should be a capable one-two combo in the backcourt. Wallace is 6-foot-4 and regarded as a combo guard. He is the No. 8 overall prospect in the 2022 class and should theoretically be able to play a role similar to what Washington played this past season.