Washington’s Markelle Fultz says he’s going to the NBA

By Percy Allen The Seattle Times • March 10, 2017 11:30 pm
(Johnny Andrews | Seattle Times) Washington’s Markelle Fultz, top, drives to the basket against Oregon State’s Gligorije Rakocevic during the second half on Saturday, Jan. 7 at Alaska Airlines Arena in Seattle. Washington won, 87-61.
(Johnny Andrews | Seattle Times) Washington’s Markelle Fultz, top, drives to the basket against Oregon State’s Gligorije Rakocevic during the second half on Saturday, Jan. 7 at Alaska Airlines Arena in Seattle. Washington won, 87-61.

Washington freshman guard Markelle Fultz is putting an end to his collegiate career and will enter the NBA draft.

Fultz, who is a probable No. 1 overall pick, released a videotape on his Twitter account Friday saying goodbye to the Huskies.

“What’s up Husky fans,” he said. “Markelle Fultz here. I just want to say it’s been an honor to play in front of you and I really appreciate all of the support you guys have given me. 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 and I’ve learned plenty of life lessons on and off the court, especially from Coach Ro (Lorenzo Romar) and his coaching staff. I’m always going to be a Husky for life. Go Dawgs.”

Fultz led the Pac-12 with a 23.3 scoring average and set a UW freshman record with 579 points. He also averaged 5.9 assists, 5.7 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks. Fultz, a first-team all-Pac-12 selection, missed six of the past eight games for Washington (9-22, 2-16 Pac-12) due to a sore knee.

The 6-foot-4 point guard from Maryland is projected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2017 draft by NBAdraft.net, Draft Express, ESPN, CBSsports.com and Sports Illustrated.

“The last three years of Markelle Fultz’s basketball career have been nothing short of amazing,” Romar said in a statement released by UW. “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 joins a long list of UW players under Romar who have left early and were chosen in the NBA draft including: Marquese Chriss, Dejounte Murray, Isaiah Thomas, Terrence Ross, Spencer Hawes, Nate Robinson and Tony Wroten Jr.