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Tyrese Maxey on Playing at Kentucky: “I will always bleed blue”

Tyrese Maxey
Keyli Chisesi | Go Big Blue Country

Tyrese Maxey’s Kentucky career officially came to a close on Monday when the freshman guard announced his decision to declare for the 2020 NBA Draft.

While Maxey is ready to be selected in the lottery portion of the draft, it’s disappointing Kentucky fans never get to see him perform in the NCAA tournament. Given how good he was on the biggest of stages, Maxey was built to make big plays in March.

“This year getting to rep Kentucky across my chest was everything I could have imagined,” Maxey said. “I got to play for a Hall of Famer, be pushed every day by the best coaches in the country, compete alongside great teammates and work with a support staff that is the gold standard – just like Coach Cal promised.

“Even though I didn’t get a chance to compete for my ultimate goal, this season was everything I signed up for. I know I’m a better player and man for embracing the challenge of playing for Kentucky.

“It’s time for my next challenge though. My dream has always been to play in the NBA and I know I’m prepared for this because I’m Wildcat made.

“Thank you to the Big Blue Nation, my coaches, teammates and everyone who has played a part in making this an incredible year. I will always bleed blue.”

Highlighted by six 20-point performances, Maxey scored in double figures in 22 games. The league’s coaches picked him for the All-SEC Second Team and the SEC All-Freshman Team. He was also a three-time SEC Freshman of the Week selection and both the NCAA March Madness National Player of the Week and the U.S. Basketball Writers Association Wayman Tisdale National Freshman following the win over Louisville.

The Texas native played particularly well down the stretch. He averaged 15.5 points per game on 42.9% shooting over the final 12 games, scoring in double figures in 10 of those. Included in that stretch, Maxey had 10 second-half points to lead a double-digit comeback effort at home against Vanderbilt, led the charge in another double-digit deficit against the Commodores on the road on Feb. 11 with 25 points, and posted 17 points vs. 15th-ranked Auburn to help the Wildcats to the SEC regular-season title.

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