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Friday, February 13, 2004 The point is, this kid can play By Staff @ 11:43 AM :: 1738 Views :: 2 Comments :: :: Edgewater High School 2000-04   The point is, the kid can play Darius Washington is every bit as good as Telfair By: Chris Bonjean, Chicago Sun Times February 13, 2004 When asked whether he has been to Chicago, Darius Washington needed only a short response. "Oh, yeah,'' he said. "I was there for LeBron.'' The 6-1 point guard from Edgewater High School in Orlando, Fla., was at the United Center for the EA Sports Roundball Classic last year. He saw firsthand what he would be up against when he goes from spectator to participant March 24. "It's a very exciting game,'' Washington said. "All the top players in the nation in one gym on two teams. You've got to bring your best game because you know everybody is going to be tough. You know you have to bring your 'A' game.'' Washington will lead the West team against a stacked East team that features an opponent he knows well: Sebastian Telfair. "It's just two guys trying for the same goal,'' Washington said. "I just want to show that I belong in the same breath with the kid.'' As juniors, Washington got the better of Telfair in a game played in Orlando. This season, Telfair took the rematch played in his hometown, New York, in a game on ESPN2. But Washington showed he was every bit as good, outscoring Telfair 36-27 in the loss. The two also have had numerous battles on the summer circuit. Washington and Telfair will see more of each other if both play in college. Both signed with Conference USA teams -- Washington with Memphis and Telfair with Louisville -- but Telfair is expected to go pro. Memphis coach John Calipari had to cut through Atlantic Coast Conference and Southeastern Conference territory to land Washington. "You're looking for the best players you can recruit, like Dajuan Wagner and some others we've had here,'' Calipari said. "The reason he's so important for us is because we're losing our point guard next year. Darius is well-built, so he has the ability to be a great, great defender. "People say to me, 'He's scoring 30 points a game. How can he play point guard?' In high school, point guards have the ball, and they are the team's best player.'' "The University of Memphis has an up-tempo style of play, and that's how I want to play,'' Washington said. "Coach Cal was very truthful with me. They didn't tell me what I wanted to hear. They said nothing was going to be given.'' Telfair has had the New York hype machine working in his favor for years, while Washington has had to work his way into the national spotlight. He also has worked to sculpt himself into a player who is averaging 31 points and five assists. "He's been a four-year starter and has helped us to two final fours, including a runner-up,'' Edgewater coach Travis Jones said. "He's a scoring machine. There's not a real position for him. Wherever he is, he's a scorer. "After practice, he goes to where his dad [Darius Washington Sr.] works over at the Winter Park Rec Center. After a three-hour practice, he will go over there and work out some more.'' Washington is in no rush to make the jump to the NBA that players with his talent are doing with increasing regularity. He will be patient and wants other players to do the same. "If it presents itself and it looks good, hopefully the guy and his family will sit down and do what's best,'' Washington said. "I hope they make sure that they look at all the options. Just don't jump into something that looks cool just because someone else is doing it.'' Tickets are on sale at the United Center and through Ticketmaster at (312) 559-1212. For more information about the tournament, visit the Web site at www.originalroundballclassic.com.

Comments By Derrick Rose @ Tuesday, July 15, 2008 10:02 PM Bruh, I know you wish you was me, right about now, but hey, thats how the ball bounces. Let me know if you need some tickets to an NBA game, I'll hook you up. Just think, had you stayed, I might not be where I am today. Thanks man. I mean that. Oh yeah, how many players over seas got they own web page. Thats some funny shit. I'm sorry man. I didn[t mean to go there. By mal @ Wednesday, November 12, 2008 10:00 AM dang derek rose that was kind of harsh. god to not like people who put others down. this dude is doing a good job, so are u, bring someone up not down. Click here to post a comment