As expected, Huskies’ Markelle Fultz to enter NBA Draft
Mar 10, 2017, 11:08 AM
Fultz to the NBA Draft-It was an honor to play in front of the Husky fans and I really appreciate all of the support you guys have given me. pic.twitter.com/sLDPltlHNZ
— UW Men's Basketball (@UW_MBB) March 10, 2017
Washington announced Friday that freshman star Markelle Fultz will leave school for the NBA, as expected. Fultz is a potential No. 1 overall pick in the NBA’s June draft.
Here is the press release from the UW:
SEATTLE – University of Washington freshman Markelle Fultz will be entering the 2017 NBA Draft, the University announced Friday. Fultz, who was an All-Pac-12 First Team and All-Freshman Team performer after leading the league in points at 23.2 per game, will hire an agent and not return to play for the Huskies.
“It’s been an honor to play in front of the Husky fans and I really appreciate all of the support you guys have given me,” Fultz said. “After sitting down with my Mom and the coaching staff, I’ve made the decision to enter the NBA Draft. Although the season hasn’t gone as planned, it’s really truly been a blessing to be here. I’ve learned a lot of lessons on and off the court, especially from coach Romar and his coaching staff. I’m always going to be a Husky for life.”
“The last three years of Markelle Fultz’s basketball career have been nothing short of amazing,” said head coach Lorenzo Romar. “He has made one of the quickest improvements of any athlete I’ve seen in a long time. Markelle has decided to enter the NBA Draft and we totally support his decision. We appreciate him giving his all, on and off the court, while he was part of our program and I will enjoy watching him play for many years to come. Even though he was only here for a short time, I truly believe he will be a Husky for life and that started before he even enrolled at UW as he went and supported our women’s team last year in the postseason in Maryland. We wish him the best of luck and look forward to following what will likely be an exciting career.”
Fultz finished his time at UW averaging 23.2 points per game, 5.9 assists and 5.7 rebounds while setting the Husky freshman scoring record with his 579 points. He is the first guard in 25 years to average 20-5-5 and was on the watch lists for numerous national awards including the Bob Cousy Award, Naismith Trophy, John R. Wooden Award and the Waymon Tisdale Freshman of the Year Award.
Related: Huard on how UW can’t afford – literally – to cut ties with Romar
