Jaden McDaniels said simply, "I'm staying home."
The 6-foot-9 senior from
Federal Way (Wash.) — and No. 8-ranked prospect in the Class of 2019 according to
247Sports — will play for Washington next season, joining another Top 10 recruit in
Isaiah Stewart.
McDaniels averaged 23.3 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two blocks per game last season. The forward announced on Twitter late Tuesday his college intentions, picking Washington over Kentucky.
Video: Jaden McDaniels highlights Federal Way star stays home and commits to the University of Washington.
Landing the duo of McDaniels and Stewart, a 6-9, 245-pound forward, raises the expectations on Montlake for 2019-20. The Huskies were the Pac-12 regular season champions last season under second-year head coach Mike Hopkins and beat Utah State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
McDaniels, a MaxPreps All-American, led Federal Way to a 107-9 record during his career, including a state title his freshman season.
McDaniels and Stewart played together on the East team in the McDonald's All-American Game in April.
"Jaden is an elite player, tremendously athletic for his size and is going to be a great addition to our class," Washington coach Mike Hopkins told the
Seattle Times. "He has an unbelievable work ethic and a great skill set for his position, as he can do it all."
Jaden McDaniels in action during Washington's Class 4A state tournament earlier this year.
Photo by: Paul Caldwell
