Kentucky’s PJ Washington declares for NBA Draft, but won’t hire an agent

Kentucky Wildcats forward PJ Washington declared for the NBA Draft on Wednesday. Washington, a former five-star recruit out of Dallas, Texas, will head into the waters of the NBA Draft without signing an agent.

That Washington isn’t declaring an agent of course leaves the door open for him to return to Lexington for his sophomore season. For what it’s worth, the SI Big Board had him listed as the 60th overall prospect in the upcoming 2018 NBA Draft.

Washington enjoyed some success in his one year in Lexington so far. As a freshman, he averaged 10.8 points and 5.7 rebounds in his 37 games played. Washington shot 51.7 percent from the field and 60.6 percent from the free throw line. He ranked 22nd in OR% among all SEC players in league play, showcasing his skills on the glass. He was an adept shot blocker as well and forced turnovers at a pretty high clip, too.

He performed exceptionally well down the stretch. In the SEC Tournament, Washington averaged 12.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game, including a 14-point, 8-rebound performance against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Tournament’s Semifinals.

PJ shouldn’t be the only player from Kentucky to test the waters, either. Kevin Knox figures to as well, although he may do so while hiring an agent, as his projections rank a bit higher. The same can be said about Hamidou Diallo and perhaps Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, too. Time will tell, however, to see who flees Lexington and who returns to this Kentucky home.