TyTy Washington was originally heartbroken when he had to decommit from Creighton. (Jeff Houchin/Nolan Media)
If not for a racist remark by Creighton coach Greg McDermott, TyTy Washington probably would be a freshman guard at Creighton this year. He was already committed to Creighton and said it was “heartbreaking” once he found out what the Creighton coach said.
“It was a little disappointing. I was really hurt when he said that. That is where I was going. It was set in stone,” said Washington. “I just felt like that took a huge toll on me and my family.
“When I found out that was what he said, I was really shocked and hurt but I had to do what was best for me.”
Orlando Antigua and Chin Coleman had recruited Washington when they were Illinois assistant coaches. When they joined John Calipari’s staff at Kentucky, they already had a “really good relationship” with Washington.
“Once I decommitted and stuff, they were trying to get me to go to Illinois. Once they came here (UK), as soon as they got here they made it a priority to come after me,” Washington said.
“Before they came over here I had a good relationship with (UK assistant coach) Jai (Lucas) that had been building through texting and talking. I was talking with Cal. Same with coach Bruiser (Flint).
“With them two (Antigua and Coleman) coming over, it just added the icing on top of the cake and made it easier for me to make a decision.”
Washington appreciated that Calipari did not rehash what happened with Creighton.
“Cal did not even mention it at all. We got on Zoom and it was straight basketball. I liked that,” Washington said.
