Author: Rick Bozich / Source: WDRB
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (WDRB) — Even the wackiest, most anonymous, juvenile message board poster could not have criticized Kentucky forward PJ Washington if Washington had decided to miss the Wildcats’ Midwest Regional semifinal against Houston Friday night.
The one Kentucky won, 62-58, but would likely have lost without Washington.
Washington has a terribly painful left foot, the result of a sprain he suffered nearly two weeks ago.
Hard cast. Walking boot. Around-the-clock treatment. Aquatic therapy. Medical specialists in several states.
All that stuff helped speed the healing process. But Washington’s foot still hurt Friday morning.
The Kentucky coaching staff learned that after Washington tried to participate in the Wildcats’ final practice but decided he was not ready.
“We didn’t have any intention of playing him until right before the game,” said UK associate head coach Kenny Payne.
When did the UK players know Washington would be able to participate?
“When he went in the game,” said forward Reid Travis.
“He wasn’t going to allow his team to lose,” Payne said. “Whatever play he needed to make, he made.
“He made sure his team won. When the game was headed in (Houston’s) direction, in the huddles, he handled the huddles … that’s a leader.”
For the next two hours, Washington did not play. Washington excelled, inspiring Kentucky into the Elite Eight past a formidable, gritty, 33-win Houston team.
Washington scored 16 points, two more than his average.
He played solidly efficient basketball, making six of eight shots. His final two points came on the kind of rugged, contested post move that will make Washington a first-round NBA Draft pick in June.Washington was not thinking about the first-round when he made that move. He was thinking about the fourth-round of the NCAA Tournament.
“To ever question (Washington putting his NBA future) over this team is crazy,” Payne said. “That’s not who he is. PJ Washington is a winning basketball player who is 100…
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