DeVaughn Washington just needed a reminder.
The junior forward met with coach John Groce before the loss against Kent State Saturday, where the two reexamined Washington's role on the team.
(Groce) previously told me what my role was before at the beginning of the season
Washington said. I guess I kind of went away from my strengths and he told me just to get back to my strengths and know what my strengths were on the court.
Before the Kent State game, Washington definitely seemed to stray from his role.
In a six-game stretch, Washington averaged 5.5 points per game, more than seven points less than his average from the first eight games.
Although his rebounding numbers stayed the same, his coach noticed a dip in energy.
He's at his best and our team's at its best when he's high motor high energy
playing with great enthusiasm
Groce said.
Obviously he's an extremely athletic player
and long. But there's times this year where I've felt like he hasn't used his motor, his length, his athleticism to make those energy plays.
Washington took the Groce's comments from the coach-player meeting to heart.
He recorded his first double-double of the season
dropping 13 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. His hustle showed
pulling down five offensive rebounds. The rebound total was a season-high for Washington.
His play Saturday earned praise from Kent State coach Geno Ford
who said Washington gave the Golden Flashes all sorts of problems.
I take what (Ford) said and just try to stay humble with it and appreciate (the compliments), Washington said.
Complacency is the last thing Groce wants from Washington.
Groce said he wanted to see some consistency from one of the few upperclassmen on the team.
If he played every game with the same intensity as he did Saturday
Washington could be one of the best post players in the Mid-American Conference
Groce said.
If I knew exactly what got him wound up and ready to go on Saturday, I would certainly touch that button every game, Groce said. I think a lot of it is between DeVaughn's ears and his chest.
Washington's resurgence will be put to the test quickly
