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Washington Huskies’ point guard Markelle Fultz to enter NBA draft

By Dre Elder

Jan 25, 2017; Tempe, AZ, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dribbles the ball against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the second half at Wells-Fargo Arena. The Sun Devils won 86-75. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2017; Tempe, AZ, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dribbles the ball against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the second half at Wells-Fargo Arena. The Sun Devils won 86-75. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Huskies’ star freshman point guard Markelle Fultz announced he will enter the 2017 NBA Draft.

Markelle Fultz is widely expected to be the Boston Celtics’ choice with the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft. The freshman’s decision to turn pro comes as no surprise, though his dazzling talents have gone virtually unnoticed on the national scene. How is this possible?

For starters, the Washington Huskies are 9-22 on the season. West coast teams often suffer in viewership because their games start as many east coasters are going to bed. And even when you’re Markelle Fultz and averaging 23.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.9 assists, no one is talking about a 9-22 team. The fact that he announced today, because Washington will not play in a postseason tournament and has already concluded their season, speaks to the situation.

Why is he deemed a “cant miss” NBA prospect, if his production has not led to more wins for his college team? Yes, potential, the word that has become an agonizing cliche around NBA draft analysis. Except this freshman phenom’s game is no cliche. Markelle Fultz is ready made for the NBA game. At 6-foot-4 and 195 pounds, he can physically match up pro point guards. His elite athleticism and quickness, combined with a silky stroke has scouts salivating.

He scored in double figures in 24 of the 25 games he played, including five 30-point games. Fultz also connected on 41 percent of his 3-pointers, during his freshman campaign. In a New Year’s Day game against rival Washington State, Fultz finished one rebound shy of a triple-double, posting 26 points, 11 assists, and 9 rebounds.

Next: Next Generation -- Markelle Fultz is the future

Although Lonzo Ball dominates headlines because his UCLA team is expected to compete for a national championship (and his father’s outlandish proclamations), Markelle Fultz’ talents do not take a back seat to anyone. He is an immediate impact player at the next level.