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UW’s Jaden McDaniels declares for 2020 NBA Draft

SEATTLE — Washington Huskies forward Jaden McDaniels announced late Tuesday that he is declaring for the 2020 NBA Draft and is forgoing the final three years of his college eligibility.

The Federal Way native joins Isaiah Stewart as the second UW freshman to declare for the draft.

McDaniels averaged 13 points and 5.8 rebounds per game for the Huskies last season. He is currently ranked as the No. 16 prospect in the draft by ESPN.

“I want to thank the University of Washington for embracing me and my family and giving me another place to call home,” McDaniels said in a tweet. “To my family, I am forever grateful for the countless sacrifices you all have made to help me pursue my lifelong dream."

McDaniels came to the Huskies as a consensus five-star recruit for the class of 2019. He was ranked the No. 7 prospect in the country by ESPN and Rivals.

His older brother, Jalen, was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in the second round of the 2019 NBA Draft after playing two years at San Diego State University.

The Huskies began the season with a 10-2 record, but finished with a disappointing 15-17 record overall.