Ohio State basketball: Duane Washington gets Combine invite

After an impressive showing in the G League Elite Camp, Ohio State basketball player Duane Washington has received an invite to the NBA combine.

Ohio State basketball player Duane Washington was the best player the Buckeyes had at the end of last season. He was the only player Chris Holtmann had that could create his own shot and get buckets on a consistent basis. Because of that, he entered his name in the NBA draft.

After an impressive showing in the G League Elite Camp, Washington has earned himself an NBA Combine invitation. That is big for someone who most people don’t see getting drafted. He now has an opportunity to get in front of scouts and show what he can do.

Washington is a little undersized as a guard and isn’t an efficient shooter. I have been steadfast in my analysis that he would be best served to come back for his senior season. He would be able to increase his efficiency from the field and from behind the three-point line.

Another year in Columbus would also give him a shot to improve on defense. Washington has improved every year as a defender, but still isn’t someone who is a good defender. If he can get himself up to an average defender and shoot 45% from behind the arc, he becomes draftable.

Do I think Washington will ever be considered a first-round pick? No, I don’t. But that doesn’t mean he can’t contribute to an NBA team eventually. He would be an excellent heat-check guy to bring off the bench. He would be great as a scorer in the second unit of a decent NBA team.

This Combine invite is great for his confidence. I hope he does well in his workouts, but I also hope he comes back to the Buckeyes for another year.