Washington Reinvented

Introducing... Batang Pier CENTER #18
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

If you were under the misguided impression that one Anthony "Jay" Washington wasn't PBA material because of the string of subpar performances he had with his former team, well, we can't blame you.

He was tagged as a "go-to-player" because of his impressive skill set and natural gifts. He can shoot, pass, dribble the length of the floor and play positions one through five. He can lock guys down, he can pretty much do it all when needed.

Only, just don't ask him to carry an entire team.

Some guys are wired that way, others, not. You have your Michael Jordans, then you have your Scottie Pippens (which is still better than your end of the bench guys mind you). There are oddities from time to time (LeBron James) but yeah, you have your Batmans and you have your Robins. Washington, despite looking like a monster on the court, is best suited as a great complimentary player-- that's not a knock on him, that's in full recognition of his game.

In seven games, Washington's playing 35 minutes and averaging 11 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists and a team best close to 2 blocks. This, while playing in the shadows of superstar teammates Gary David, Sol Mercado and Willie Miller-- not to mention import Markeith Cummings.

With the Batang Pier, Washington has been asked to patrol the paint and make full use of his 6"7 frame. He's not exactly your prototypical PBA center as the rough and tough bigs are sure to push him around, but what he lacks in heft he makes up for with his smarts, speed and athleticism.

Will we ever see the old "Best Player of the Conference" Washington back again?

Don't bet against it. Not with him thriving under head coach Junel Baculi and playing heavy minutes. After all, Washington has always been the type of player who can affect the outcome of the game not just by scoring but by doing all the little things-- and doing them well.