Syracuse, N.Y. -- Howard Washington had his share of Syracuse shoulders to lean on after he suffered the worst injury of his basketball career.
An analytical point guard by nature, Washington made sure to educate himself on the road ahead after he tore his right ACL during a freak moment before practice last February.
He spent time talking to former SU players Eric Devendorf and Andy Rautins. He picked the brain of NBA player Jabari Paker. He soaked up wisdom from former Syracuse women's basketball star Brittney Sykes, who tore her ACL twice.
They talked to him about the physical challenges, like the painful process of working to bend and straighten the leg following surgery.