DeVaughn Washington's 26-minute stint against Miami summed up his Bobcat career in one game.
The senior struggled to find rhythm early in the contest. But after being limited in the first half because of foul trouble, Washington exploded with two powerful dunks and a turnaround jumper for six points in a four-minute second-half stretch.
Fouls and frustration forced him out again, allowing him to show only a glimpse at what he can provide for the Bobcats. The forward went to the bench and threw a towel over his head in response to fouling out with 2:27 to play in regulation.
It was pretty frustrating
Washington said. ... During that second-half stretch I just allowed myself to settle down and forget about the refs. But I got too consumed with them the rest of the time.
The first thing coach John Groce mentioned about his forward is his emotion on the court. The problem is, Washington has trouble channeling it effectively from time to time. Sometimes, his intensity gets the best of him, as his performance against the RedHawks revealed.
He's a really emotional kid Groce said. And like most things in life
you can either have too much or too little.
... Sometimes, when he's really rolling, his emotion can be his best friend. He plays with such great emotion. It can be his best friend or worst enemy.
Washington has the potential to be a force in the down low for the Bobcats. In the final 10 games of Ohio's 2009-10 season
the senior averaged 15.6 points a game
showing his energy and electricity with his post offense and slam dunks.
I think it was me putting everything together, Washington said. I started coming to the gym and bringing something extra. That and my teammates helped me out.
If Washington is attempting to channel his tenacity
Wednesday night's game is a move in the right direction.
The senior played 36 minutes
scored 11 points and grabbed six rebounds. In a heated game that featured a double technical foul and a Zeke Marshall elbow to Tommy Freeman's face
Washington kept his cool and kept himself on the floor.
After Ivo Baltic picked up the slack for him against Miami
Washington returned the favor as his fellow forward got in early foul trouble.
When Washington actually can stay on the floor
his athleticism and energy bring a different dimension to the Bobcats' offense
