Tru Washington is back and ready to boost the Miami Hurricanes' scoring and defense against NC State. His return offers crucial depth for the tough road test.
As the Miami Hurricanes men's basketball squad prepares to face the North Carolina State Wolfpack on Saturday, there's optimism that junior guard Tru Washington will return to action. He was away from the team against the California Golden Bears and Boston College Eagles due to personal reasons. However, Washington was available against the North Carolina Tar Heels, but didn't play.
Coach Jai Lucas added clarity to the situation.
"He [Washington] came back Monday," he said. "I didn't feel it was right to just throw somebody out there after not practicing and not being around for a week. It's just impossible to say, 'All right, Carolina, you go out there, run around.' He's slowly working himself back. We'll see what happens. We kind of practiced, but haven't, with the short turnaround. He's been getting his extra work, doing everything to get back into where he was."
"He's back and full go."
According to the ACC student-athlete availability report, Washington is not listed. The only ones who are set to miss the Wolfpack game are sophomore forward Macus Allen (non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis; out for season) and freshman forward Treyvon Maddox.
The return of Washington is crucial ahead of another Quad 1 opponent. He adds an extra ball handler who can score at will from all three levels and defend. The 21-year-old is averaging 11.9 points, four rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.9 steals on the season.
The Hurricanes don't have consistent bench production to give starters, such as senior guard Tre Donaldson and senior forward Malik Reneau, an extended break. The availability of Washington takes some weight off their shoulders. Whether coach Lucas selects him or freshman guard Dante Allen in the starting backcourt alongside Donaldson, having them available adds a dynamic ball handler for the bench unit.
The Wolfpack has a couple of explosive offensive players in senior forward Darrion Williams and senior guard Quadir Copeland. The return of Washington adds extra defensive intensity for the Hurricanes, similar to the plan against freshman Caleb Wilson in the Tar Heels matchup. He's capable of guarding multiple positions and has quick hands with great instincts.
The Hurricanes have found some success in winning games on the road, 6-2 on the season. However, the Wolfpack brings a hostile environment to overcome.
"To me, it is the hardest place to play in the [ACC], coach Lucas added. "North Caroline State is a different type of animal. Just their environment, the fans are right behind the bench, they're right on top of you. They're a fan base that has a tradition of winning the National Championship, but they also have this edge and chip on their shoulder of being in the middle of [North] Carolina and Duke. They feel like they're not as respected."
"It adds to the building."
The Hurricanes will need to play with a great sense of urgency on both sides of the court. Washington's return to action couldn't have come at a more crucial time.
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