Alright, so while we are all gearing up for whatever the Seahawks or Mariners throw at us next, there’s some wild stuff brewing in college basketball. Rick Barnes just dropped a bomb about Jalen Washington, saying the transfer big man has been handling his insane eligibility battle “like an absolute pro.” Yeah, you read that right. An “absolute pro.”
Washington’s NCAA Fight and That “Pro” Attitude
So here’s the deal: Jalen Washington, a 6-foot-10 former Vanderbilt player, is actually suing the NCAA in federal court. Why? He wants to play one more season of college hoops. But get this: even with a lawsuit flying around, the dude is still ineligible right now. You’d think that would mess with anyone’s head, right? Barnes, speaking on October 13 at SEC Basketball Tipoff ’27, says nope. “He wants to play. He has been great in terms of, every day he comes to work, every single day,” Barnes told reporters. It’s a crazy situation, but Barnes says they’re prepping for both outcomes: whether Washington gets to play or not. The main thing? Barnes is just blown away by how Washington is dealing with it all.
The Ripple Effect: Making Everyone Else Better
And this isn’t just about Washington’s personal fight. Barnes explicitly said Washington’s attitude and daily approach to practice are already making his teammates better. Think about that for a second. This guy is fighting a literal legal battle just to step on the court, yet his presence is elevating guys like sophomore DeWayne Brown, senior Miles Rubin, and fifth-year Christian Fermin. That’s some serious leadership, even from someone who’s currently sidelined. It speaks volumes about the kind of guy Washington is, and honestly, that’s the kind of grit you love to see in any sport.
We don’t know what’s next for Washington’s eligibility fight, but one thing’s for sure: if he gets to play, Tennessee is getting a player with an “absolute pro” mindset who’s already impacting his squad in the best way possible.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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