P.J. Washington to display new skills in Kentucky this week

Kentucky commit PJ Washington and his high school team, the Findlay Prep Pilots, will be playing in western Kentucky this weekend.

Findlay Prep didn’t schedule these games until Washington announced his commitment, and according to Washington’s dad and high school coach Paul Washington, PJ’s commitment is the reason they scheduled these games.

“He’ll be wearing his Kentucky game in warm-ups. He’s ready to go,” his father said, according to the Lexington Herald-Leader.

This will be the first Kentucky Lake Showcase, and will feature prospects like Washington, Arizona signee DeAndre Ayton and Duke signee Gary Trent Jr., as well as others.

Washington is looking to showcase an expanded skill set when he comes to the bluegrass. He’s averaging 20 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists, and he’s one of the best rebounders in his class. But now he’s looking to expand out and shoot from the perimeter.

“He’s doing awesome,” said Paul Washington. “He really wanted to open up his game, and I think he’s done a great job with that. He’s shooting a lot more perimeter shots — not necessarily just dunks all the time. Hopefully that will carry over to next year.”

Thanks to that work from the outside, Washington is getting more comfortable in a more versatile role. Washington actually had to play the point one time, when both of Findlay Prep’s guards were out for discipline reasons. This year, he leads his team in assists. He also has a team-high in three-point makes.

That’s all pretty impressive for a player who’s 6’8” and 235 lbs with a 7’3” wingspan.

Paul said it’s been all about his son’s confidence when it comes to his jumper.

“He’s always had a nice shot. It was just a matter of him being so hard on himself. But when you shoot 100, 200 shots a day, you’re not upset about that one you missed,” Paul said.

Washington will lead Findlay Prep into games against Hopkinsville at 7:30 p.m. CT on Friday, and Tennessee Prep at 6:30 p.m. CT on Saturday. Tickets will be available at Marshall County High School, the site of the games.