University of Memphis Athletics
Darius Washington Named Rivals.com National Freshman Of The Week
Feb 01, 2005 | Men's Basketball
Feb. 1, 2005
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Memphis Tiger guard Darius Washington Jr. has been named Rivals.com National Freshman of the Week, the web site announced Tuesday. The award is given for his play the week of Jan. 25-31.
Last week, Washington helped lead the Tigers to a 2-0 record in Conference USA play with victories over DePaul (68-55) Jan. 27 and TCU (72-57) Jan. 29. The Winter Park, Fla., native averaged 14.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists in 37.5 minutes of action. Washington shot 46.7 percent from the field and 92.3 percent from the free throw line.
Washington hit a career-high tying 10 free throws in the win over TCU. He also had a key second-half block. With the Tigers leading 55-47, TCU's Femi Ibikunle had a open layup to continue the Horned Frog spurt. Washington, though, came from behind and blocked the 6-foot-9 forward's attempt. Washington's block turned the tide of the second half, halting a 12-4 TCU run and starting a 12-6 Memphis spurt that gave the Tigers the momentum the rest of the contest.
The 6-foot-2 guard is averaging 14.6 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists this year. He is ranked among Conference USA leaders in scoring (15th), assists (11th) and steals (8th). In league games only (seven contests), Washington is ranked among the conference's leaders in scoring (2nd), field goal percentage (6th), free throw percentage (9th), three-point field goal percentage (11th), assists (5th) and steals (2nd).
The Tigers return to action Wednesday, Feb. 2 when they host Conference USA foe East Carolina. Game time is 7:00 p.m. (CT) at FedExForum.
