Photo | UK Athletics
Washington Records Third Straight 20-Point Game
NASHVILLE, Tn – The Kentucky Wildcats were super on Super Tuesday, defeating the Vanderbilt Commodores 87-52 at Memorial Gymnasium to record the largest road victory of the John Calipari era.
Sophomore forward PJ Washington, who recorded his third straight game of twenty or more points, led the Wildcats.
“Oh my goodness, PJ was sensational,” said Vanderbilt head coach Bryce Drew. “I’m trying to think if there is a better player more improved in the country. He’s shooting the ball like a two guard.”
John Calipari has been waiting on Washington to take over since he arrived at Kentucky in 2017. On his emergence, Calipari has credited Washington for playing with a different spirit and level of intensity.
Overall, Washington led the Wildcats with 26 points and 12 rebounds, but it was his 18 first half points that buried the Commodores and gave the Wildcats a 45-15 advantage at the half.
“I’m just trying to come out aggressive,” said Washington. “I feel like if I come out aggressive, I play a lot better than I usually do, so I’m just trying to be humble and take the shots the defense gives me.”
Although he’s playing with a different level of assertiveness and focus, Washington’s development can be credited to his improved jump shot. According to his personal bio on ukathletics.com, Washington’s biggest fear is not reaching his goals. He returned to Kentucky for a sophomore year to improve his draft stock and become more of a complete player, which is exactly what he is accomplishing.
As a freshman, Washington connected on 5-of-21 three-point attempts, good enough for 23.8 percent. So far, through 20 games this season, he has knocked down 17-of-41 shots from long range for 41.4 percent.
“I’ve just been in the gym working on it,” said Washington. “I’ve been working on it a lot this year, so I’m just going to continue to work on it and hopefully, it keeps paying off.”
As for how that has helped his stock and progression, Calipari says there’s much more to Washington’s game.
“We’ve got calls that this guy is the most improved guy; they can’t believe it,” said Calipari. “And that was after going 0-for-4 from three. It’s not about that stuff. I’m trying to explain to you guys (the team) the ego stuff you care about doesn’t matter.”
After losing the SEC opener to Alabama in early January, the Wildcats have bounced back to win their last seven games. Tuesday nights beat down in Nashville is a loud statement to college basketball, even though it came against a winless team in SEC play. It’s only January, but Kentucky just throttled a team in one of the toughest venues to play in college basketball after three consecutive wins vs. ranked opponents.
“My team is just halfway up the mountain. We can’t afford to revert back.”
