:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63070041/pj_washington_msu.0.jpg)
The rise of PJ Washington is now getting him more respect within the SEC.
On Monday, Washington was named the SEC Player of the Week following his big week against the LSU Tigers and Tennessee Volunteers.
Washington averaged 21.5 points, seven rebounds, two assists and 1.5 steals against No. 19 LSU and No. 1 Tennessee. Washington posted a game-high 20 points to go along with a game-high-tying nine boards, three assists and a steal against LSU.
The sophomore from Dallas (Texas) tallied a game-high 23 points in addition to five boards, two blocks, two steals and an assist in a 16-point win against top-ranked Tennessee. He shot 75 percent (9/12) against the Vols and connected on 64 percent (16/25) from the field for the week.
Saturday was his ninth 20-point game of the season and his seventh in the last eight games. He is averaging 21 points over the last eight games and has 10-straight games in double figures. He’s the first player to do that since Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored in double figures in 10 straight games from Feb. 20, 2018 to March 22, 2018.
Like Alexander, Washington is primed to be a lottery pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. Washington hopes to be one after leading his team to the Final Four, as Kentucky now looks primed to make a run to Minneapolis.
Go follow our Twitter page and ‘like’ our Facebook page to get all of the latest Kentucky Wildcats news and views. And be sure to check out our latest Kentucky shirt.