WORKING ‘DAY BY DAY’
West Side graduate Washington getting more minutes for No. 9 North Carolina
Life at North Carolina feels normal to sophomore forward Jalen Washington.
But visitors remind the 2022 Gary West Side graduate exactly where he is.
“When I have family or friends here, they’re star-struck by being here,” he said. “I never really think about it because I’m always here and I’m so used to it. Those are the moments when I’m able to reflect and really appreciate that I’m here.”
The rest of the time, though, Washington continues working to earn more playing time for one of college basketball’s most prestigious programs. The Tar Heels (22-6) enter March ranked No. 9 in the poll by The Associated Press.
The 6-foot-10 Washington’s numbers remain modest this season. He’s averaging 4.1 points and 2.7 rebounds this season. But he has played in 28 games, already surpassing the 20 in which he appeared as a freshman. He’s also averaging 8.7 minutes, up from 5.7 last season.
Washington’s peak performance came during North Carolina’s 105-60 win against Charleston Southern on Dec. 30, when he had a career-high 17 points, seven rebounds and two blocks, drawing postgame praise from coach Hubert Davis.
“He gave us life,” Davis said after that game. “He attacked the offensive glass, got second-chance opportunities, kept the ball alive and was really good defensively.”
Two months later, Washington still remembers that game well.
“I came in and made a couple of hustle plays, which helped me relax,” he said. “Then I started hitting a couple of shots, and I was just able to really play my game.”
Washington hopes for more games like that in the future as he continues to adapt to his role as a reserve.
“It’s just learning how to come off the bench and make an impact,” he said. “One thing that the coaches always tell me is that you can bring your energy and your effort every day.”
Providing energy is how Washington has earned more playing time after a freshman season that was delayed by his ongoing recovery from a knee injury that sidelined him for his senior year at West Side. He made his college debut in North Carolina’s 10th game last season.
“My biggest lesson from my freshman season was one of patience,” he said. “I wanted to be out there, but I wasn’t ready to be out there yet, coming off an injury.”
That’s not the only thing Washington learned last season.
“College is a lot different,” he said. “That was another lesson I had to learn, and I’m still learning the level of physicality and just how mature these older guys are. Now I have to continue this process, day by day, to prepare myself.”
Preparing for this season meant extra weightlifting over the summer. Washington said he gained 5 pounds to get to 230.
“That’s what my coach said when I had my one-on-one with him, that he wanted me to get stronger,” he said. “I’m out there banging with these guys, and they’re strong and I’m getting knocked around. So I knew I had to get stronger.”
Washington’s work is paying off. He continues to get consistent playing time late in the season, getting double-digit minutes in five of the Tar Heels’ past eight games.
“You’ve always got to keep the end goal in mind of playing well in March,” he said. “That’s what all of the work’s got to be directed toward. But taking care of the job, day to day, is what leads to that.”