The only number that the Big Blue Nation remembers from PJ Washington’s 18-point, 15-rebound game in Atlanta during the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16 a season ago is 12.
Twelve is the number of free throws Washington missed in 20 attempts during Kentucky’s 61-58 to Kansas State that ended a potential Final Four run. Washington’s social media mentions were filled with toxic replies to his struggles, not knowing the freshman (at the time) was playing for months with a broken pinky that later required a surgical procedure.
“Not at all. I’m a different player from last year,” Washington said when he asked about if he thought back to those misses after not completing a three-point play with 55 seconds to play that could’ve tied the game at 58 against Houston on Friday night.