Dragons rope in Washington to replace Jones for the ABL

PETALING JAYA: Westports Malaysia Dragons have signed 26-year-old Curtis Washington (pic) as their new foreign import for the Asean Basketball League (ABL) following the departure of Solomon Jones last week.

Washington, of the United States, used to play for Taranaki Mountainairs and Mike Pero Nelson Giants in the New Zealand Basketball League (NBL) and averaged nine points per game and five rebounds per game.

Dragons manager Yakub Hussaini said that Washington was recommended to them prior to the start of the league but were unable to sign him up then because of his previous contract.

“Once he was a free agent, we scrambled to sign him and get his papers in order.

“I know he is a true professional and plays hard every game and will be a good addition to the team,” said Yakub.

The Dragons won their first game in the ABL when they beat Mono Vampire 116-112 in Bangkok last Saturday.

Standing at 2.08m (6ft 10in), Washington’s presence will provide the Dragons with additional depth ahead of their two upcoming matches – against Chong Son Kung Fu (tonight) and Mono Vampire (Dec 2) – in Kuala Lumpur.

“We are very excited to add Curtis to our roster. He’s an incredibly versatile inside out player who will give us a much-needed boost defending the post,” said Dragons head coach Christopher Thomas.

“He’s also going to be a tremendous asset off the floor.”