The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/125393
N By Jacey Zembal C State post signee Kyle Washington knows opportunity when he sees it. Washington has been watching the developments within his future program, and he sees a great chance to come in next year and play significant minutes. The 6-9, 218-pounder from Champlin, Minn., could form a new post player rotation with fifth-year senior center Jordan Vandenberg and freshman classmate BeeJay Anya. Sophomore T.J. Warren could also play some minutes at power forward, and the Wolfpack could add some help during the offseason from the prep ranks or perhaps a graduate transfer. Washington is approaching his freshman season with the notion that he'll have a chance to make a positive impact on the floor at either power forward or center. "I'm working hard every day on the things that I need to work on," said Washington, 19. "I'm working on my strength to get stronger. I'm in the weight room every day. "[NC State head] coach [Mark] Gottfried told me since day one of my recruitment that this was a great place for me to start my career. He said, 'There is a whole bunch of playing time for you with C.J. [Leslie] gone and Richard [Howell] gone.' I'm excited for that, but I want to earn my time. "From watching on TV, I think I picked the perfect school for the way I play." Washington said hard work and attention to detail on the defensive end should help put him in position to be a positive contributor. He also never shied away from being a leader this past year at Wolfeboro (N.H.) Brewster Academy, which is the same prep school Warren attended for his last year of high school. Rivals.com ranked Washington as the No. 14 center and No. 93 overall player in the country. The reclassification from 2012 to 2013 paid off beautifully for Washington, who picked NC State over Ohio State, Washington and Iowa State. Baylor, Illinois, Louisville, Marquette, Minnesota, Notre Dame and Wisconsin also offered him scholarships at various points of his recruitment. Washington worked hard on making his post moves more fluid with Brewster head coach Jason Smith and assistant coach Josh Lee this season. "I worked at not predicting a move," Washington said. "When I get it in the post, I didn't want to do a move without even reading the defense. Coach Lee and Coach Smith definitely helped me with that. "I was also more patient, and tried to Pure Energy 2013 basketball recruiting issue Kyle Washington Will Be Counted Upon For Inside Help Washington, the nation's No. 14 center and No. 93 overall player according to Rivals.com, picked NC State over Ohio State, Washington and Iowa State. photo by andrew shurtleff 30 ■ the wolfpacker 30,32.Kyle Washington.indd 30 4/30/13 3:09 PM