|
|
| collegehoops.net | ||||
|
||||
Darius Washington Jr: Whatever Happened To This Guy?
|
February 18th, 2009
by Matthew Ryter
» Tags
Darius Washington Jr.
Whatever Happened to This Guy??
Darius Washington Jr. (Memphis)
Darius Washington declared for the 2006 NBA draft after his sophomore season. He signed with an agent two days before the draft. Not a smart choice because draft day came and went and his name was not called. Since he had signed with an agent, he lost his college eligibility.
Although leading Memphis to a No. 1 seed and an Elite Eight appearance in the ’06 NCAA Tournament, he’s remembered for missing two clutch free throws in the Conference USA championship game against Louisville. Washington was fouled while shooting a 3 with no time left on the clock. The Tigers were down 2 and needed to win the game to make the tourney. Washington hit the first, but his next two rimmed out. It’s painful to watch but here’s the clip.
Where is he now? He signed with the Spurs in 2007 and was assigned to the D-League where he played for the Austin Toros. In December of 2007, DWJ was called up to the league due to an injury to Mr. Tony Longoria Parker. Washington was waived by the Spurs later that month. He was on the Chicago Bulls roster this past preseason but was waived before the season started. Washington now plays for Ural Great Perm of the Russia-A Super League.
Next Week's Whatever Happened to This Guy?
- Khalid El-Amin (Connecticut)
Email Matt, or post a comment, if you have a suggestion for a player to feature in the WHTOG series.
Comments
yea, I'm a big fan of
Submitted by Shawn Siegel on Wed, 2009-02-18 18:46.
yea, I'm a big fan of Darius. A) for helping Jeff out with things over the years, and b) because he had talent. He played decently as Jeff mentioned in those few games, he seems like he could be a solid 3rd string PG. my team the nets who have only 3 actual players on the roster at PG & SG combined, could use a guy like him as a final option.
Great idea
Submitted by Duke Fan (not verified) on Wed, 2009-02-18 19:00.
I really like this idea for a series.
HE IS NOT HARD TO FIND!
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 2009-02-19 00:51.
Well guys he is not hard to find just visit his WEBSITE DWASH.NET and you will be updated weekly on his progress! as a close friend of the family D-Wash is doing just GREAT! he is playing in Russia and has obtained a Macedonian citizenship. Although he played well with several NBA teams and has yet to catch on with one, he continues to strive for excellence along with work hard to reach his goal. We all know to experience what this young man went through by missing those free throws and going un-drafted he has to be mentally and physically tough which he has proven by being equipped to handle those two unfortunate situations. We all know that everybody path is different in life and there will be bumps in the road at times but if you have faith along with the will power then you will make it! and me knowing this young man he has just what it takes to DO IT!
$$
Submitted by Jeff Fox on Thu, 2009-02-19 09:36.
The main thing is with guys like Darius (or Khalid El-Amin who I see the next column is going to be on)can't pass up on the big $$ they can get playing overseas. They could play in the NBDL and hope that a NBA team calls them up sometime during the season, but the pay in the D-League is real bad and if they end up not getting called up to the NBA they will be alot worse off (financially) than playing overseas. With families to feed they can't really take that risk like some younger players can.
Great Point
Submitted by Matthew Ryter on Thu, 2009-02-19 11:00.
DWash would be a great role player and backup point guard in the league. Easily could be on a D-league squad.
Is it worth getting a 10 day contract here or there, not having stability, being mentally tough enough to handle the question of "Am I getting cut today?"
DWash was a tremendous collegiate ball player and still is a terrific ball player (just checked out DWash's site, check it out...dwash.net)
this series is genius!! i
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 2009-02-19 11:03.
this series is genius!! i can't believe you would have the unbelievable brains to answer the questions that i have been thinking for so long...what ever happened to all my childhood heros!?!?! thanks matthew ryter
Wish Him the Best
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 2009-02-19 12:46.
Huge Mempis Fan here and I hope Darius is doing well. He was instumental in leading the Tiger program back to the Elite level it now enjoys...Thanks!!! Unfortunately, I believe he got some bad advice from those around him regarding the NBA. All Tiger Fans wish him the best and DWash will always be a member of the Memphis Family.
Good read dude
Submitted by Ryan from ESPN (not verified) on Fri, 2009-02-20 23:56.
Matt,
This is a great series; well done buddy and keep up the good work!
Ryan Harings
Darius Washington Jr
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 2009-05-10 18:25.
I read on the Dwash.net site that he just got back from Russia and is heading to Memphis for a 3-day tryout/camp for the Grizzlies. I hope they sign him. This guy has played great overseas and has matured so much since college. The Grizzlies could use someone fast and aggressive like him.
Celtics Summer League
Submitted by Matthew Ryter on Tue, 2009-07-07 09:46.
DWash is currently on the Celtics Summer League Roster
Happy to report that this
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 2011-07-15 08:21.
Happy to report that this guy has been spotted playing (and
doing a great a job)in Puerto Rico.
Add comment
More CHN Articles
SPONSORS
About Matthew Ryter
Contact
matthew.ryter@gmail.com
Background
Matt Ryter is a graduate of Providence College. He is a life long college basketball junkie. Although his Friars may not be atop the Big East, he follows the conference religiously. When Matt worked at ESPN he was a part of the Stats and Analysis team where he mainly covered college basketball. Matt wears black Nike socks whenever he can to honor the Fab Five.
Location
New Jersey
Draft diary
I actually got Darius to write a draft diary for CHN leading up to the draft and did another interview with him about a year later. Nice enough guy. He did pretty good when given a chance with the Spurs - I'm surprised he hasn't found his way back to the League yet.