Richard Pitino continues his tear through the transfer portal, as he picks up his former player in Tru Washington. Tru is a Junior Guard transferring in from Miami (FL). However, he played his first two years under Richard Pitino at New Mexico. Washington averaged 11.9 PPG, and 4.0 RPG this year. Tru also averages 1.8 SPG, as he is a great defender. Tru should be another great piece for the Muskies.
Let’s dive into what he brings to X!
What To Expect
Tru is a UNIT on the defensive end of the floor, averaging 1.8 steals per game this past season. Tru is an adaptable and versatile player on the offensive side of things, and he can contribute in many ways. Washington is a reliable wing who has strengths in ball security, defensive impact, and a decent scoring efficiency. Tru took a step up from New Mexico to Miami, and he has excelled this year. He is on an upward trajectory and is due for a big senior season. His main weakness is that he is a limited playmaker on offense, he only averaged 1.8 assists per game. Rather than being a playmaker, Tru is a facilitator and strong defender. He will be a great addition to a Xavier squad that struggled greatly with defense this past year. The pieces X have brought in so far have been offensive minded; Tru is the opposite, excelling on defense.
Big East Comparison
Tru Washington’s Big East comparison is Budd Clark of Seton Hall. Clark is an excellent defender, who put up two steals a game this year. He is a scrappy guard who is known for his defense, but he can also score the ball with efficiency. While neither is known as an offensive powerhouse, they both compensate with elite defensive presence. Clark was an All-Big East 2nd Teamer this year, and Washington could follow in his steps. However, I wouldn’t expect Tru to play to that high of a caliber. It’s never impossible, though.
