LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky men's basketball star freshman TyTy Washington Jr. is headed to the NBA.

What You Need To Know

  • A standout Kentucky basketball freshman is headed to the NBA Draft

  • TyTy Washington Jr. declared for the draft on Wednesday

  • Washington averaged 12.5 points, 3.9 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game

The first-year Wildcats guard announced Wednesday he's pursuing a career in the pros and declaring for the 2022 NBA Draft, forgoing his remaining college eligibility.

"First and foremost, I'd like to thank God for the opportunities He's provided me and my family," Washington said in a post on Twitter. "To Big Blue Nation, I'd like to express my gratitude to all of you for embracing me and my family like your own this past year.

Washington thanked head coach John Calipari and the countless Big Blue fans, adding that leaving Kentucky won't be easy.

"Leaving Kentucky won't be easy, but I am ready for the challenges ahead and know I am ready based on my experiences here in Lexington," he said.

Washington averaged 12.5 points, 3.9 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game, shooting 45.1% from the field and 35% from beyond the arch.

Boasting five 20-point games this season, Washington earned All-SEC Second Team honors and was a five-time SEC Freshman of the Week.

The Phoenix native finished the regular season ranked first in the SEC and 31st nationally with a 2.43 assist-to-turnover ratio.

Of the 70 players who have finished their college careers at Kentucky under Calipari (through the 2020-21 season), 43 were selected in the NBA Draft, a 61.4% success rate