(Jeff Houchin Photo)
After Kentucky beat Texas A&M 85-74 on Tuesday night in Rupp Arena, I got this question on Twitter from a Kentucky fan.
“Am I wrong to think PJ Washington just plays when he want to play? He could be great but doesn’t have the motor.”
The sophomore is probably Kentucky’s most scrutinized player this season. Part of that is because he’s a returning player who opted to return to UK rather than keep his name in the NBA Draft. Part of that is because he has taken over games at times with his physical play. Part is because coach John Calipari has called him a “beast” and assistant coach Kenny Payne says when anything goes wrong with the team, he looks at Washington.
For 26 minutes Tuesday, he had no points and one rebound. He finished the game with nine points on 4-for-8 shooting, five rebounds and two assists in 28 minutes.
Texas A&M coach Billy Kennedy had nothing but good things to say about Washington.
“PJ Washington is a monster. I really love how he has improved, I think he’s really gotten better on mixing it up and making decisions while he’s on the court,” Kennedy said.
What about only having two points and one rebound the first 26 minutes?
“He keeps playing. His motor – he’s always playing on both ends of the floor. I thought he had a stretch there where he posted up and we couldn’t do anything with him,” Kennedy said.
So what’s the answer to the question I was asked on Twitter? Well, what about just letting you see how Paul Washington, the UK sophomore’s father, responded on Twitter.
“Your definitely wrong!” Paul Washington posted on Twitter.
I don’t think anyone cares more about winning than PJ Washington. He’s not always an emotional player, but I don’t think he’s lazy or unprepared. Tuesday was not his best game. But I still think for Kentucky to be its best, he’s the catalyst because of all he can do on both ends of the court.
