Recruit Watch: Leonardo Washington '07 PF

[DCWildcat]

This is what Marc Maggard had to say: Leonard Washington is IN for UK. He gets out of summer school on July16 (or close to it) and if he gets his grades, the smart money would be that he attends UK and joins Patrick Patterson in the post as a freshman in 2007. His game is in the style of a Charles Barkley and height is not a factor in his post play. He is a matchup nightmare due to his ability to drag bigger 4's out to the perimeter and shoot or drive around them. For a smaller guy, he is very powerful and athletic and his crafty scoring ability makes him a prolific scorer. He also has the kind of motor that Billy Gillispie demands from his players.


Scout profile (http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p=8&c=1&nid=1573113)

Not really sure how this went down, but what I've read is that USC signed Washington, then it appeared he wouldn't qualify, they let him go, and now he's back on the market.

I actually remember him from when Tubby was recruiting him. At one point he was a 4 star, top 100 guy on both recruiting services' sites, but then his stock fell a bunch for some reason. Not really sure why.

[matt colvin]

Sounds like he could compliment Patrick pretty well

[poodoo]

Interesting. Thanks for the info, DCWildcat.

If Tim Floyd backed out because of earlier grade concerns, though, I'm wondering how much I should get my hopes up. I still admit to hoping Washington's summer school grades result in his qualifying, though. :) Does anyone else out there have any info on Washington? GO CATS! GO BILLY G!

[KevinKat78]

Look toward the bottom of the page.
http://usctrojans.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/111606aab.html

[poodoo]

Look toward the bottom of the page.
http://usctrojans.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/111606aab.html

Thanks for the link. It's an excellent read about Washington. GO CATS! GO BILLY G!

[WildcatRick]

by Matt Jones

Lets say that you are a big UK fan, but you dont want to follow the day to day minutia of recruiting for kids who are still years away from actually walking on the court. Well we here think that is odd, but fair enough, to each his own. You want to know about guys you will see soon, which is why you followed Patrick Patterson, know the name of Alex Legion, like the potential of AJ Stewart and wonder what will happen with Mike Williams. I can accept that and we are also here for you as well.

So we introduce you to 2007 recruit and potential player for UK next year Leonard Washington. Washington is a 6′6″ forward who plays a great deal on the post and at one point (after his freshman season) was considered one of the top 10 players in the 2007 class. Now he is a bit lower, but still a talent. He signed with USC, but then got out of his LOI when it looked like he would not qualify. Now he might, and you need to see what he is like. Thanks to a poster on TCP, we have found these videos below of Leonard, courtesy of a USC website that previously was interested in him. We believe Leonard is visiting THIS WEEKEND to UK, so get to know him…..he might be a Cat sooner than one previously thought…..

Videos linked in article.... http://blog.kentuckysportsradio.com/?p=2791

[KevinKat78]

See Leonard Washington on Video!

http://uschoops.tv/lwashusctv.html

[bluecat406]

Looks better than I anticipated. I like how aggressive he is around the basket. He's got plenty of moves.

I read somewhere that he had been considered to be a top 15 player in this class a couple of years ago. The reason he dropped was because he was around 6'6'' when they rated him that high. He hasn't grown any since. He still appears to be an elite player.

[I. Melvin]

Hmmmm ...

Chuck's lack of size was a problem, whether we like to admit it or not.

Still, it hasn't hurt him enough to keep him out of the league - BUT he's got size around him.

Looks to me like he'd be a great PF, not a center.

[DCWildcat]

He's got some nice bounce. I wonder if his ranking slip was due to his growth (in height) getting stagnant.

[sardiscat]

Well, the video shows he can dunk. Would like to have seen him shoot. He passed up a wide open shot from about 6 feet in favor of a contested drive to the basket, which usually indicates lack of confidence in his shot.

[Got_Billie_G?]

I would take him, seems to like to attack the basket, something we've been lacking in our SF/PF spot for a few years...

[CATHEAD]

Hmmmm ...

Chuck's lack of size was a problem, whether we like to admit it or not.

Still, it hasn't hurt him enough to keep him out of the league - BUT he's got size around him.

Looks to me like he'd be a great PF, not a center.

I don't think Chuck's size was ever a problem. Sure, if he tried to switch over or help defend a 7 footer he may have some difficulty. Where Chuck may have lacked in size, he more than made up for it with what's in his chest. And are you saying that he wouldn't be doing what he's doing now if he didn't have "size around him"? Please. He has made himself what he is through hard work, an unwavering will to win, and sheer determination. The basketball world, and the world in general, need more Chucks.

[Blue Heaven]

Well, the video shows he can dunk. Would like to have seen him shoot. He passed up a wide open shot from about 6 feet in favor of a contested drive to the basket, which usually indicates lack of confidence in his shot.
We don't need him to be a shooter. I liked his moves down there and we need someone who can rebound. I particularly liked his low post defense. He had a couple of awesome rejections. I would definitely like for Mr. Washington to wear the Blue this year.

[matt colvin]

Via Matt Jones:

http://blog.kentuckysportsradio.com/?p=2849

[Blue Heaven]

I'd really like to get Washington for the upcoming year. He has alot of what we need. We need a banger down low and someone who can run the floor and Washington fills that need.

[Coldstream]

Track our recruitment of Washington for the '07 class.

[CatFanInTheBathtub]

this would be a great add. I like his touch around the basket. I'd give him minutes if he can play any D.

[BlueBalls]

I read on a couple of other boards that Washington MAY commit as early as tomorrow, (Monday) to...................UK!!

[Bleedin Blue]

:shrug1: Anybody have any news about how his visit went? I would sure like to get this guy.

[WildcatRick]

Will announce Friday, down to UK, LSU, Ole Miss and Miss St.

Marc Maggard seems to think UK has backed off.

[RxRusty]

Will announce Friday, down to UK, LSU, Ole Miss and Miss St.

Marc Maggard seems to think UK has backed off.

Any mention why UK has backed off? He seemed like a need for us.

[JayB]

I was hoping we would get this guy. It would be nice to get a sharp shooter. I have not heard anything yet. ------anyone else ?

[matt colvin]

News on Washington today does not seem like it will materialize....quit teasing us Leonard!

[Coldstream]

If we want Washington, the no-news is good news for us. Because presumably we are waiting to hear more on his grades to see if he would qualify. The fact he is waiting a little longer indicates he wants to see if he can get into UK.

[matt colvin]

If we want Washington, the no-news is good news for us. Because presumably we are waiting to hear more on his grades to see if he would qualify. The fact he is waiting a little longer indicates he wants to see if he can get into UK.

Thanks for the info. Coldstream, wasn't aware he was still waiting on the grades....too much info to keep up with for me to remember it all.:eek:

[TOPCAT]

No press conference today!Grade situation has not been resolved.

[Coldstream]

Rob saying the opposite:

1) It appears as though UK and Leonard Washington (SF, 6′6) have parted ways for the most part. The Wildcats were expected to hear on whether or not the 6-foot-6, 190 pounder would choose Kentucky or Ole Miss today, but the announcement has been delayed because of academic issues.

http://blog.kentuckysportsradio.com/?p=2875

[Sticeman]

Well, the video shows he can dunk. Would like to have seen him shoot. He passed up a wide open shot from about 6 feet in favor of a contested drive to the basket, which usually indicates lack of confidence in his shot.

I agree but his stroke from the free throw line looked nice so I dont believe that he has a questionable shot he looks like he likes to bang down low instead

[ukspicoli]

I thought I read somewhere he was about to commit last week...perhaps I was misreading something. He looks like a nice piece of the puzzle.

[WildcatRick]

From Matt Jones blog a few days ago........

It appears as though UK and Leonard Washington (SF, 6′6) have parted ways for the most part. The Wildcats were expected to hear on whether or not the 6-foot-6, 190 pounder would choose Kentucky or Ole Miss today, but the announcement has been delayed because of academic issues.