TyTy Washington with campers Thursday. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Former Kentucky guard Tyrese Maxey seemed to always be smiling. His theory was why not be happy and share that happiness with others. Freshman guard TyTy Washington certainly seems like he is going to bring the same type of attitude/personality to the Kentucky basketball program this year.
He was a bundle of energy — again — at the UK satellite camp at the Forks of Elkhorn Baptist Church in Woodford County Thursday.
“I just feel like if you go out there and be happy all the time, a lot of good things can happen for you. If you’re always being sad or mad during a basketball game — or you’re dwelling on a missed shot — then that can carry with you for the rest of the game and affect everybody else on the team,” Washington said during his media time at the camp Thursday.
“I just try to keep a good attitude. Make sure my attitude’s good. And if my attitude’s good, then my teammates’ attitude is great.”
He even started his time with media members by asking, “What’s up, everybody!” and smiling like he was the happiest person in Kentucky.
That outgoing personality is why even as a freshman on a team loaded with veteran players — a rarity for coach John Calipari — he could be a needed leader. He wants to be a leader, too.
“I try to lead by example in everything,” the five-star point guard said. “I try to be first to workouts, making sure my voice is being heard when I’m encouraging all my teammates. I’m just trying to lead.
“I feel like my role on this team is definitely going to be to lead. Every day in practice, the coaches stress to me to make sure I’m talking, make sure I’m being the same person I was in high school.
“So they’re just pretty much saying — with me being the point guard — everybody on the team is going to listen to what I have to say. So just speak up.”
