Syracuse Basketball: Howard Washington exemplifies courage

Syracuse basketball guard Howard Washington will receive a major award from the ACC, and this fine young man wholeheartedly deserves it.

Over the years following Syracuse basketball, I’ve developed a shortlist of my all-time favorite Orange guys.

In no particular order, my favs include the likes of Pearl Washington, John Wallace, Gerry McNamara, Carmelo Anthony, Brandon Triche, CJ Fair, and Hakim Warrick.

Current junior guard Howard Washington, unquestionably, also resides on this list.

I don’t know Washington personally, but he seems like a total team-first player who emphatically cheers on his fellow ‘Cuse colleagues from the bench, who possesses a ton of integrity and perseverance, and who could absolutely coach down the road if his playing career doesn’t continue after college.

Washington’s journey on the Hill in his first three stanzas in a Syracuse uniform has proven extremely challenging, and the fact that he’s even on the sidelines in the present term is a testament to his strength.

The multiple knee injuries that Washington has endured are terribly unfortunate, but he also suffered a stroke on September 28, 2018. The Buffalo, N.Y., native had two blood clots removed from his brain and required surgery to repair a hole in his heart.

Despite all of this, as the Orange prepares to face North Carolina on Wednesday night in the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament’s second round, Washington has appeared in 19 contests throughout the 2019-20 campaign, averaging 7.5 minutes, 1.2 points and 1.3 assists a game.

Some ‘Cuse fanatics and I’m one of them, feel that Washington should get more court action. Washington isn’t an abundant scorer, yet he’s a steady pass-first dude and a calming presence for the Syracuse offense.

In any event, why I’m penning this column is that Washington, prior to the Orange-Tar Heels encounter, will receive the 14th-annual Bob Bradley Spirit and Courage Award from the ACC and the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association, per an announcement.

Simply beautiful, and a warm congratulations to Howard!

Washington, who is majoring in human development and family science, is the first man or woman from the ‘Cuse to land this honor, which is given out every year in memory of Bob Bradley, the Hall of Fame sports-information director at Clemson.

"According to the media release, “the award goes to an ACC student-athlete, coach, administrator, or other personnel in men’s or women’s basketball who has overcome significant hardship to contribute to his or her team, or to society as a whole.”"

I can’t fathom any person who better embodies the essence of this recognition than Howard Washington, and it’s a privilege to call him a tremendous member of Orange Nation.