By CHIP MILLER
NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. — Findlay Prep (NV) and Team Penny (EYBL) 2017 five-star forward P.J. Washington had a team-high 22 points to go with 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks as Team Penny dominated Pro Skills (TX) with an 81-61 win at the EYBL Peach Jam Thursday morning
Asked what he’s working on, Washington was definitive and precise in the skill sets he wants to develop.
“My ball handling and my perimeter jumper,” Washington said. “I just want to be comfortable playing the perimeter and playing the inside. So if I have a big on me, I’ll go outside and if I have a small on me, I’ll go inside.”
The highly coveted forward’s intensity has rarely been in question, averaging a double-double 17.4 points and 10.9 rebounds per outing during the EYBL regular season.
That effort has drawn the attention of multiple high major D1 coaches, including Kentucky’s John Calipari.
“Just how hard I play and the intensity I bring to the game really,” stated Washington. “They just love that.”
Washington emphasized that his dad, Paul Washington Sr., has a great relationship with one of Kentucky’s assistants.
“My dad talks to Kenny Payne a lot,” Washington said. “He talks to Coach Cal(ipari) some, but mostly Kenny.”
Washington said his game matches up well with Kentucky’s style.
“It matches up because I like to block shots and get out in transition and run,” said Washington. “They do that a lot.”
Four schools have continued to prioritize Washington throughout the summer, with one making him the obvious priority.
“Kentucky, Arizona, North Carolina and Texas,” stated Washington.
UNC head man Roy Williams has intentionally made PJ Washington one of, if not his, top target.
“I’m really cool with Roy,” Washington emphasized. “He told me he was going to be at all of my games. He (Roy) said, “You won’t see a coach more then you will see him.””
So far, Williams has been true to his word attending every Team Penny game played here at Peach Jam.
UNC is one of four schools currently slated to get an official, something Washington says they will finalize in August. Texas, Kentucky, and Arizona are the other three schools.
In April, Washington said Texas head coach Shaka Smart was calling him almost every week trying to get him on campus. That relationship has continued to flourish and grow, in potentially a different manner than other coaches.
“I love Shaka,” Washington said with a smile. “He’s been recruiting me since my sophomore year. He’s just really cool with my family, my whole family. He pays attention to my little brother and little sister.”
Where members of the 2017 class commit will have little impact on Washington’s final decision.
“I feel like I can play with anybody,” Washington said confidently. “I feel like I am a skilled player, so playing with other players makes me better. It really doesn’t matter to me.”
Although who commits to who isn’t a top priority in his final decision, Washington does have some guards he would love to play with at the next level.
“I like a lot of them,” Washington said. “I like Trae Young (Mokan Elite), Quade Green (PSA Cardinals) and Matt Coleman (Boo Williams).”
Washington plans to take his officials during September and October and announce a decision sometime in December or January. Until then, look for Washington to continue to wrack up double-doubles.
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