Photo by Keyli Chisesi | Go Big Blue Country
John Calipari has been Waiting a Year and Half for this PJ Washington
LEXINGTON, Ky – Spirit. That’s the word to describe what led to Kentucky’s 71-63 win vs. No. 9 Kansas at Rupp Arena.
24,387 fans packed Rupp Arena on Saturday night and every single one of them brought their best effort. So did Kentucky sophomore forward PJ Washington, who was one of three Wildcats to finish with a double double.
While senior Reid Travis scored 12 points in the first half to keep the Wildcats within three at intermission, PJ Washington took over in the second half to help Kentucky pull away.
“Today, PJ had a spirit about him,” said John Calipari. “ He had a spirit about him. He had a confidence about him. There was no tentativeness. I’ve been waiting a year and a half for that.”
Calipari isn’t alone in wanting the former five-star and McDonald’s All-American to take over. The Big Blue Nation has been begging for it since last season, too.
There was one stretch where he allowed a player to get an offensive rebound and a kick out for a three-point shot. After that, Calipari pulled him from the game.
“But he ends up – “I got this.” He said, “I’m going to get nine more rebounds in THE second.” He had nine rebounds at halftime, and I’m mad he didn’t have 12.”
After trailing by three at the half, Kentucky outscored the Jayhawks 41-30 in the second. Washington was responsible for 14 of those points, as he finished with his second straight 20-point game.
“I just feel like the past three games, I came out aggressive from the get-go. So, that’s one of the biggest things I’ve been working on, just trying to keep moving on and keep playing 40 minutes like that. I think that’s the biggest thing for me.”
In addition to 20 points and 13 rebounds vs. Kansas, Washington scored 21 points in a win vs. Mississippi State earlier in the week.
For Washington and this Kentucky team, it’s hard to bring consistent energy every time they take the floor. But doing so not only elevates the Wildcats to one of the best teams in the country, but according to Calipari, Washington becomes one of the best players in college basketball.
“I think when he plays at a different pace, a different level of intensity, a different level of bouncing and alertness, I’m telling you, he’s as good as anybody in the country. He is.”
However, when Washington doesn’t bring that spirit and desire to be great, “He’s just OK,” says Calipari. “He’s just OK.”
Good news for Calipari and Kentucky is Washington seems to be breaking through. He’s taking it one game at a time and now the focus shifts to a road matchup at Vanderbilt on Tuesday.
“I mean, we just beat three ranked teams in a row. I feel like our team is on the rise and I’m excited, and I’m just ready to go and play (Vanderbilt) now.”
