Former Ohio State basketball player lights up Summer League

NBA Summer League is upon us. It's a time when NBA teams can learn about their young players. Young players are trying to earn some playing time and a spot on the roster. Former Ohio State basketball players are among these groups of players as well.

Duane Washington is one of those guys. The former Buckeye has bounced around a bit in his career. He has played for the Pacers and the Suns before. Now, he's with the New York Knicks' Summer League team. He's trying to get back into the league so he can play.

While the Knicks are loaded at guard, a good Summer League from Washington could mean an opportunity with another franchise. He put a good foot forward with his first Summer League appearance after he lit up the court against the Hornets.

Former Ohio State basketball player lights up the Hornets

Washington was great offensively. He had 26 points on 8/18 shooting, including 4/8 from three. He also added three rebounds and a steal. Those are the kinds of games that he's going to have to have offensively if he wants a shot at making an NBA roster this season.

Washington has never been a good defender and is an undersized two-guard. He's not a playmaker, so he can't really run point either. His value is when he's coming off the bench to make shots and score the basketball. When he's able to do that, he adds value to whatever team he's on.

The question remains if he can ever consistently make threes at a good enough clip to make a team bring him in. If he continues to shoot it as he did against the Hornets, some team is going to give him an opportunity to be on the end of their bench. He's too good of an offensive player.

Ohio State basketball fans would love to see Washington succeed at the next level. Former Buckeyes in the NBA need some more success.