Keeping It Heel
Fansided

Jalen Washington is healthy and ready for a breakout season for North Carolina

The 6-foot-10 big man is likely to finally have his opportunity to be a starter for the UNC basketball program this season.

By JT Zangara

Oct 12, 2024; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Jalen Washington (13) at the line in the second half at the Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Oct 12, 2024; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Jalen Washington (13) at the line in the second half at the Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
facebooktwitterreddit

Armando Bacot left big shoes to fill for the UNC basketball program, but Jalen Washington is more than ready for his shot to fill the void.

Heading into his junior season, Washington is expected to play a big role for the Tar Heels' frontcourt, a unit that has plenty of question marks heading into the 2024-2025 season. Washington has the height of a traditional big man but the shooting ability of a stretch forward, as his ability to space the floor could be very beneficial for this year's squad.

2023-2024 Season in Review

During the 2023-24 season, Washington averaged around 4 points and 2.6 rebounds per game in limited action. Washington was utilized in a reserve role in each of his previous two seasons with the program. He was impacted by injuries to start his freshman season but was able to play in every game a season ago.

What to Expect in 2024-2025

Washington will be the starting center for the UNC basketball program this season. The junior will play big minutes and be a key part of the Tar Heels' success. We were able to see how impactful he could be during the exhibition game vs. Memphis. Washington had 17 points while shooting 2-3 from three. He also saw a huge increase in minutes played, with 25 minutes played vs. Memphis. This was the start of what we could see from Washington for the entire season.

Bold Prediction

This will be Washington's breakout season. We have all seen how talented Washington is on both sides of the ball. With more minutes this season, Washington will have a much bigger impact on the game. Washington will average over 10 points and 8 rebounds per game.

Washington will make the ACC All-Defensive Team. He is a huge shot blocker, and it has been shown over his limited minutes. After the Memphis exhibition, he finished with one block and three steals. I expect him to continue this trend for the season and grow as a defensive player during the 2024-25 season. The ACC All-Defensive Team honor is something I would look out for this season from Washington.

feed

Home/UNC Basketball