By Keith Taylor
Kentucky Today
PJ Washington has decided to enter the NBA Draft and this time for good.
“It’s been a little over a week since our season ended but it still hasn’t hit me that I’ve played my last game with Kentucky across my chest,” Washington said. “This place has been my home for two years and it’s hard for me to put in words how much I’ve grown in my time at Kentucky. The staff challenged me from Day 1 to become the best version of myself and to work hard to become one of the best players in college basketball. I feel like I’ve done that.”
The Kentucky sophomore forward opted to test the waters last season but decided to return for a second season with the Wildcats following a stellar sophomore campaign. He led the team in scoring (15.2 points per game), rebounding (7.5 rpg) and recorded nine double-doubles.
Washington tallied double figures in 19 of his last 20 games. He had 28 points and 13 rebounds in a loss to Auburn in the Elite Eight. Although the Wildcats fell short of reaching the Final Four, Washington enjoyed his second season with the Wildcats.
“When I decided to come back to school a year ago, I knew there were things I still wanted to accomplish so I challenged myself to become a better all-around player, to develop more consistency and to become a leader for this team,” he said. “Although we fell a couple of games short of our ultimate goal, I’ll never forget the season we had with my brothers. We did some special things this season and made memories that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.”
Kentucky coach John Calipari was pleased with Washington’s performances during the past two years, especially down the stretch when he played through a sprained foot in the final two games of the NCAA Tournament.
“PJ transformed everything about his game. He became a national player of the year candidate, he showed his full set of his skills and he improved his stock while helping us become one of the best teams in the country. What I’m most proud of is how PJ developed into a leader. Every kid is on their own timetable, and the one that PJ followed – which was the best path for him – has put him in a position to do some special things at the next level. I can’t wait to watch his continued growth.”
In return, Washington thanked Calipari, God, and the coaching staff for “challenging me to become the player that I am.”
“They believed in my potential and never accepted anything less than my best,” he said.
“Thank you for helping me grow into a man that’s ready for this next step. To my teammates: Wow, we have been through so much. Thank you for putting your trust in me and for inspiring me through every workout, practice, and game. I’ll never forget this group. And to everyone at UK: Thank you for your support and for helping a kid from Dallas see his dreams come true.”
The NBA Draft Combine will be May 15-19 in Chicago. The NBA Draft is set for June 20 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Hagans returning
Freshman point guard Ashton Hagans announced on Tuesday that he will be returning to UK next season.
”We had a great season this year but I want more,” Hagans said. “I know I’ve only scratched the surface with my game and there’s so much more I want to accomplish at Kentucky. Coach Cal and the staff have challenged me since day one, and I know with another season at UK we can chase some special things with the same mindset. I can’t wait to get back to work with my brothers.”
Hagans’ return will definitely bolster what should be another strong team in 2019-20.
Hagans led the Wildcats in assists (160) and steals (61) as a freshman while starting 30 of 37 games.
”I had a great meeting with Ashton,” Calipari said. “He had a wonderful season but he’s not satisfied. He said his desire was to come back and continue to grow and do some special things at Kentucky. That’s all I needed to hear. He’s ready for the challenge, and I’m all in with him.”
Keith Taylor is sports editor for Kentucky Today. Reach him at keith.taylor@kentuckytoday.com or twitter @keithtaylor21.