RECRUITING: Clark’s Kentrell Washington picks Hofstra
Kentrell Washington can score in bunches when needed, but Clark’s senior point guard has a lot more in his bag of tricks.
Washington became an excellent facilitator and passer as his career progressed, which increased his value in the eyes of college basketball teams.
One of which was Hofstra, and Washington reciprocated that interest when he made an oral commitment to the Pride on Sunday after returning from his official visit to the New York campus.
“It was the coaching staff and the players,” said Washington, who also had scholarship offers from Eastern Washington and Hartford.
Although college basketball’s spring period to sign national letters of intent ended May 16, similar aid agreements can be signed at any time. Washington said he plans to sign Monday.
“I’m going out there to play hard, be able to win games and trying to get into the NCAA Tournament,” Washington said.
The 6-foot-3-inch Washington averaged 12.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists as a senior on his way to second-team all-state honors.
After transferring from Western, Washington helped Clark (24-5) return to prominence and reach the Sunset Region playoffs.
The Chargers went 14-2 in the Southwest League, with the only two losses against eventual Class 4A state champion and national power Bishop Gorman.
“When he transferred, he was scoring in the 20-plus point range,” Clark coach Chad Beeten said. “I think he made a real concerted effort to show that he is a true point guard and probably sacrificed some shots to make others better around him.
“He is an unselfish but very versatile player. He can do a lot of things. Hofstra is lucky to have him.”
Washington also was an All-Sunset Region and first-team All-Southwest League selection as a senior.
Washington said his decision “was pretty close” between Hofstra, Eastern Washington and Hartford, but he didn’t want to wait any longer.
“I’m just real proud,” Beeten said. “He certainly worked hard and earned it. He’s such a good kid. It’s well deserved.”
Also Sunday, Clark senior forward Bryan McGriff confirmed via text message that he has committed to the City College of San Francisco.
The 6-7 McGriff averaged 15.9 points and 6.3 rebounds as a senior on his way to third-team all-state honors.