Howard Washington, 6-3, PG, Buffalo, New York, 2016 High School Class
Analysis
2016 Butler commit Howard Washington wasn't outstanding during his three games at Nike Global Challenge, but the 6' 3 17-year-old lead guard did make an impression with his smooth game, passing ability and competitiveness on the defensive end. Washington ran the show for the Canadian team, and showed some of his positives and negatives as a pure point guard.
On one hand, Washington is fluid with the ball, can make all the necessary passes (oftentimes using both hands), and plays with really good pace that you don't always see from a 17-year-old.
On the flip side, Washington can get very careless with the ball or dribble too deep into the defense without a plan, which resulted in 6.8 turnovers per 40 minutes pace adjusted.
But despite some struggles, Washington impressed with his ability to run the show at 6' 3 160 pounds with a 6' 5.5 wingspan. The Buffalo, New York Native still has room to improve as an efficient scorer while adding to his average frame. He's a capable shot maker who can convert floaters in the lane, but he's far from consistent from the perimeter as he's a forward-jumper who misses right and left too often.
On the defensive end, Washington competed, almost always sitting down in a stance and pressuring the ball. Filling out his frame will help him fight over screens and contain stronger guards, but with his competitiveness and solid size and length he has the tools to be a very adequate defender at the NCAA level.
Washington isn't exactly elite in one area but he's capable of running the show, getting into the teeth of the defense and making plays, making an open three, and pressuring the ball on the other end of the floor all things that should help him turn in a very successful career at Butler.
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