Jalen Washington reborn
I don't know if Jalen Washington got bit by a radioactive spider or something before the NC State game, but watching his game blossom before our very eyes has been an absolute treat. He looks like a completely different man.
Washington is healthy, playing heavy minutes, and making impact. His box score wasn't as impressive as his double-double against NC State (he finished the Cal win with six points, four rebounds, a block, and a steal), but he was essential to UNC's dominance over the Golden Bears.
He's looking more comfortable with his mid-range jumper, which looks very clean and repeatable. He is given a lot of space when he holds the ball at the top of the key, waiting to dribble hand-off with RJ Davis, so it may be just a matter of time before he takes a three-pointer or two again. Remember, he made two of them cleanly against Memphis in preseason.
Washington continues to be one to monitor.