The Numbers
- 12.9 points per game (20.9 per 40 minutes)
- 6.8 rebounds per game (10.8 per 40 minutes)
- 1.1 blocks per game (1.7 per 40 minutes)
- .510/.357/.704 shooting splits
Kyle Washington started his college basketball career at NC State and did not see the floor enough to prove that he could be an asset. But with the Cincinnati Bearcats and Mick Cronin, he definitely got that opportunity and cemented himself as a bona fide starter on this deep UC roster. (AND YOU CAN’T. TEACH. THAT) Washington doubled his offensive output in his first season in Cincinnati where he went from about six points a game at NC State to 12.9 points a game as a Bearcat. His play style also complimented his low post counter part, Gary Clark. Clark is known for his aggressive defensive and offensive rebounding whereas Washington loves to work guys down in the post with hook shots and doesn't shy away from taking outside jumpers. His left hook shot played out to be a huge part of his elevated field goal percentage (.510), while he even shot 35 percent from the three-point line.
The big things that Kyle Washington will need to improve on next year is finishing with his right hand and low post defense. Although his lefty hook shot is his favorite option, opposing players know that he leans on his left which gives them a bit of an edge because they know exactly which hand he is going to. And his low post defense definitely needs some work. He is a bit inconsistent in the paint on defense and sometimes allows easy looks inside from the opponents, even if he is a solid help defender (93.8 defensive rating), who blocks shots at an accelerated rate.
Best of the Best
Saturday Nov. 19, 2016 vs. No. 21 Rhode Island
In the Bearcats first matchup with a ranked opponent, Washington showed up huge with 23 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks.
Sunday Nov. 20, 2016 vs. Penn State
After just playing URI one day before, Washington came out with another sensational game where he grabbed a ridiculous 17 rebounds and scored 16 points.
Sunday Dec. 4, 2016 vs. Bowling Green
In a blowout victory for the Bearcats,Washington shot 11-for-13 from the field to finish with 24 points.
Saturday Feb. 4, 2017 vs. UConn
Facing off against a conference rival, Washington dropped 27 points on the Huskies and added eight rebounds.
Friday March 10, 2017 vs. Tulsa
In 24 minutes on the floor, Washington scored 21 points on 80 percent shooting while shooting 100 percent from the free throw line
For Next Year
Washington will continue to play the role he did this year, which is as the offensive-minded big man. He and Clark will once again be one of the best forward duos in the conference, and they will hopefully learn from each other as time goes on. Washington will be one of UC’s best scoring options next season and he will hopefully move into more of a leadership role in his second year as a Bearcat.