Ohio State star Duane Washington Jr. reportedly makes NBA decision
Ohio State guard Duane Washington Jr. is moving on.
After impressing scouts at the NBA Draft combine this week, Washington is reportedly keeping his name in the draft and will turn pro.
That’s according to a report from Stadium’s Jeff Goodman.
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BREAKING: Ohio State guard Duane Washington Jr. Will not be returning to school and will keep his name in for the NBA Draft, he told @Stadium. Buckeyes go from Top 10 to Top 25 team — depending if EJ Liddell returns.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) June 29, 2021
He put up impressive numbers at both the NBA combine and the G-League Elite camp this week:
Duane Washington Jr. continued to play well today…
• G League game 1: 13 pts (5-12, 2-8, 1-3), 2 asts, 3 TO
• G League game 1: 18 pts (7-13, 2-7, 2-4), 1 ast, 1 TO
• Combine game 1: 9 pts (4-9, 1-4, 0-0), 4 asts, 2 TO
• Combine game 2: 17 pts (6-7, 2-3, 3-4), 2 asts, 3 TO— Colin Hass-Hill (@chasshill) June 25, 2021
As a junior with the Buckeyes, Washington scored 16.4 points per game and also contributed 2.9 assists per contest. His offensive game fits the modern NBA, which rewards guards who can score efficiently at all three levels.
Last season, he shot a career high 45.8 percent from the floor. He also made 3-pointers at a 37.4 percent clip on a volume of 7.7 per game.
He turned up the intensity in the postseason, averaging 22 points and 6.4 rebounds per game across five contests. He also shot 39.6 percent from long range during this span.
Washington’s departure means Ohio State will be looking for more guard production next season. Meechie Johnson — a 4-star sophomore — and Malaki Branham — a 4-star incoming freshman — will be in line for big roles in the offense. Penn State transfer Jamari Wheeler will also be an experienced option as he played 31 minutes per game for the Nittany Lions last year.
