Big-time players make clutch plays when it matters most. Take for example the performance that San Jose State guard Richard Washington put on in his first career game wearing a Spartan uniform. Trailing 69-67 on the road at Hofstra, who entered the game as an 18-point favorite, SJSU needed someone to take the game over and that someone was Washington. The transfer from Tallahassee Community College knocked down three straight 3-pointers in the final 3:08 of game time to lead the Spartans to a 12-2 run to close the contest with a 79-71 victory, their first on the East Coast since 2001.
The debut performance was a sign of things to come for Washington. He also led the Spartans to victory on New Year's Day over New Mexico with a team-best 25 points with seven treys. The last of his triples came with just eight seconds on the clock to give SJSU an 87-85 lead that they held on to for the victory. Washington finished the season second on the team in scoring with 10.3 points per game. He had a stretch of seven-straight Mountain West contests in which he scored at least 12 points, including a career-best 31-point performance at Air Force. In 2020-21, Washington will once again be a huge part of the Spartan Lineup and will look to continue down the bright path he began laying last season.
Read on to learn more about Richard Washington in this week's 1-on-1 feature.
Q: How did it feel to knock off Hofstra in your first career game with the Spartans?
RICHARD: It was a lot of fun. The guys really locked in to do something special.
Q: With 18 second half points and three 3-pointers in the last couple minutes, what was going through your head late in that game and why were you able to have so much success?
RICHARD: I'm not sure. I can only remember feeling like I was having the time of my life.
Q: You hit another game-winning 3 to help knock off New Mexico. How did that win compare to the win over Hofstra?
RICHARD: The win vs Hofstra was more fun, but the New Mexico game felt good too.
Q: How do you think you have progressed entering into your second season?
RICHARD: Mentally I've improved. I've dealt with a lot and I'm finally in a good head space.
Q: What is something you have learned during your time at SJSU? Can be about basketball or life in general.
RICHARD: I've learned how important it is to take care of your mental health above all.
Q: Who was the toughest player you faced last season?
RICHARD: The kid from Nevada, Jalen Harris, did the most harm to us.
Q: What aspects of your game do you hope to improve upon this season?
RICHARD: My all-around game has taken a major jump. I look forward to showing what I got.
Q: What is something about you that fans may not already know?
RICHARD: I love animals and nature
Q: What advice can you give to younger players just beginning their college careers?
RICHARD: Stay the course
Q: What is your favorite thing about San Jose?
RICHARD: The mountains