By Christian Vieyra By Christian Vieyra (@thecvieyra) – Executive Editor | San Jose State freshman guard Jermaine Washington Jr. secures the ball in a 117-80 win over Lincoln on Dec. 9 at Provident Credit Union Event Center. (Photo by Nikita Bankar – The Spear)
The Spartans saw the emergence of a freshman during their 71-70 upset over the Lobos.
SJSU freshman guard Jermaine Washington Jr. was the team’s second-leading scorer (13) and had a team-leading plus-minus of +18.
“He’s persevering through freshman year, it’s obviously difficult adjusting to the college game, but games like this are super big confidence boosters for not only the team but him too,” SJSU senior guard Josh Uduje said. “He was picking Donovan Dent up who’s one of the best point guards in the country, full court, making his life difficult and then hitting big-time shots.”
Washington finished with his season high of 28 minutes. Spartans graduate student Donavan Yap Jr. finished with his season-low 10 minutes. Yap was battling through an injury and did not practice before the game against New Mexico Tuesday according to SJSU head coach Tim Miles.
“Washington comes in and plays terrific defense and obviously made some shots, critical plays,” Miles said. “He’s just getting more comfortable.”
Miles said the Spartans have a lot of confidence in the freshman.
“He’s such a good athlete. He can make outside shots and tonight guys were really looking for him,” Miles said. “It was fun to watch fifth-year guys skipping the ball halfway across the court for him to get an open look.”
Washington could potentially get more minutes in the near future with an unclear Yap injury.
Yap “was a step behind” and needs more treatment according to Miles.
SJSU will travel to face Nevada at 3 p.m. Saturday in Reno.
“I think he’s going to be a hell of a player, probably next year, I don’t even think he has to wait till his senior year,” Udeje said. “I think he’s going to be super important for us moving forward and he’s going to have a great college career too.”