Howard Washington spent his summer in Syracuse and stayed on campus for both summer sessions. The Syracuse Orange point guard out of Buffalo took summer courses and worked out, continuing the rehabilitation process on his right knee for an eventual return to the court.
The 2017-2018 season was a volatile one for Washington, committing to Syracuse — his dream school — earlier in the year, Washington arrived on campus last fall as the third point guard in rotation behind Frank Howard and Geno Thorpe. After Geno Thorpe abruptly left the team before the team’s trip to Miami in early December, Washington was thrust into the backup point guard position.
Following the initial adjustment period, Washington started to get his legs underneath him — including a nine point, three rebound outing at Florida State — when he went down with a knee injury in practice in late January. He tore his ACL, partially tore his MCL and would miss the remainder of the 2018 season.
Washington had surgery in February and later began the rehab process. He’s yet to make a full recovery, but he did note that he’s on pace.
“He’s still working on his knee, he’s out for a little while so we haven’t really seen much of him this fall,” Jim Boeheim said at Media Day. “We’re going to evaluate him when he comes back in about another three weeks and see where he is.”
“I’m on pace right around where I’m supposed to be,” Washington said. “(I’m) working with Brad (Pike) and Ryan (Cabiles) every single day, just getting better and (will) be ready to go.”
Washington is planning on playing this season. Earlier this summer Boeheim said he wouldn’t redshirt anyone unless something changed drastically. While a redshirt technically isn’t off the table, Washington is hopeful for playing time and a return to the court to distribute the ball and help his team win.
“As a point guard my job is to get my guys involved and win,” Washington proclaimed. “So our goal is to win, get as far as we can, hopefully (win) a National Championship.”
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