<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">ORLANDO --- Wearing an alien No. 15 and with the heavy burden of critics reaching at every dribble, Darius Washington Jr. began another chapter in his basketball career with his eyes wide open and determination stamped across his face. Washington never viewed his first major NBA draft audition as starting over, despite the pedestrian path he's been forced to take. He arrived at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex with one goal: To impose his will in hopes of pushing a few buttons and tugging at the strings tied to his destiny. "All my life I've been doubted, and every time I've proved the critics wrong," said Washington, 20. "Eventually, they have to jump on the bandwagon. I say you have to force-feed them. They eventually have to say they were wrong. I'm just going to let my play do the talking. That will change a lot of minds and a lot of fingers from typing the wrong thing." The consensus when the NBA's pre-draft camp concluded is that Washington did exactly what he had to during three games in the Milk House gymnasium. He put together a good week. In total, Washington connected on 12-of-17 shots, including 5-of-8 from beyond the 3-point arc. He averaged 21 minutes and 10.4 points -- a showing capped by 10 points and six assists in 22 minutes last Friday. Washington easily emerged as the best point guard in a camp with higher ranked players such as UCLA's Jordan Farmar and Iowa State's Will Blalock. "Hopefully," Washington said, "I'll get positive feedback, and I can stay in (the draft). I've been trying to show what I can do and then do what everybody says I can't do. This week will weigh heavily." And not just on Washington. He gave NBA general managers and coaches something to think about. They wanted to see Washington consistently play under control and make good decisions. He did just that, and it would be difficult to find any observer who believed Washington didn't solidify his draft status. One prominent GM predicted that Washington would be drafted late in the first round. Washington displayed potential that goes beyond his NBA-ready body (6-2, 195 pounds), quickness and scoring ability. Those are expected ingredients. Washington, though, made strides in areas considered where he is considered weak. He proved he can run a team and play active, disruptive defense. "He has a great sense of what to do," said Grizzlies assistant coach Mitchell Anderson, who coached Washington during the pre-draft camp. "He has the ability. "Coaches wanted to see if he's mature enough to run a team. All it takes is one team to like you. There are a lot of teams looking for guard play -- backup guards to develop -- and he has potential. He can play in the league." Washington, who has not hired an agent, can decide by next Sunday if he will remain in the draft or return for his junior year at the University of Memphis. </div> Source
