NCAA Basketball: 10 best players from state of Arizona of last decade

8. TyTy Washington – Kentucky

A native of Phoenix, Washington originally committed to Creighton before later decommitting and signing on with John Calipari and Kentucky. A five-star prospect and impressive young guard, Washington spent this past season with the Wildcats and impressed, starting nearly every game of his only collegiate season and helping the Wildcats back to the NCAA Tournament.

Washington averaged 12.5 points and 3.9 assists per game and was a member of the SEC’s All-Freshman team. Among his more impressive performances was a 17-point, 17-assist affair against Georgia in early January. One week later, he had a career-high 28 points in an important win against a tough Tennessee team. For his efforts during a solid freshman year, Washington was also named to the All-SEC Second Team.

Unfortunately, the Wildcats were upset by Saint Peter’s in the NCAA Tournament, and Washington’s performance wasn’t memorable. However, he had shown off his skills during the season and declared for the NBA Draft. Washington was drafted in the first round by the Houston Rockets, hoping to get further chance to show what a talented point guard he could be. He may have only played one season of college ball, but Washington certainly made an impact, helping Kentucky turn the tide after an atrocious year the season before.