PJ Washington played through broken pinky finger; surgery likely coming

PJ Washington enjoyed a solid freshman season, and it even looks more impressive now that we know he played through a significant injury.

According to Rivals reporter TJ Walker, Washington suffered a broken finger in January. While he was able to play through the pain, the injury will likely require surgery at some point.

As a true freshman, Washington averaged 10.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. He reached double figures in 11 of his last 12 games, a stretch in which UK went 9-3. He also finished his final game with 18 points and 15 rebounds in a narrow loss to K-State.

Many will remember all the missed free throws, but playing with a broken finger may help explain those struggles.

There was no question UK was at its best with PJ playing like a beast, and they need him back for a sophomore season to become a true Final Four contender next season.

However, Walker also reports that Washington still has to meet with his family and make a final decision on whether he stays at UK or enters the NBA Draft.

My guess is Washington declares without an agent, goes through the testing and then eventually returns to UK, but it sounds like that’s not quite the given that many had assumed it was.

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