Jerome Bailey - Hofstra Men’s Basketball Power Forward Greg Washington is in the midst of a successful junior season that has seen him become the school’s all-time leader in blocked shots. Washington’s success at Hofstra is the culmination of many years competing in multiple sports and the Centereach native can thank his mother, Corine, for the decision to concentrate on basketball while motivating him to be a defensive force for a Division I program just 35 miles from where he grew up.

While attending Central Islip High School, Washington was a three-sport athlete in football, basketball, and track. However, when the 6’10" 210-pounder suffered a sprained knee playing quarterback, Corine urged him to stay away from football. Quickly, basketball became Washington’s main focus. By concentrating solely on basketball, Washington has become a defensive menace for opponents and, on February 10th against Drexel, he broke Hofstra’s single-season (69) and career record (180) for blocks.

“What separates Greg from a lot of shot blockers is he is not a true center so he is playing on the perimeter to go block shots,” said Hofstra Men’s Basketball Head Coach Tom Pecora.

While playing at Central Islip, Washington averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds per game, and was the recipient of the Coaches Award in 2003-04. During his senior year, he attended Florida Air Academy, a prep school/military academy, in order to improve his academic standing and place himself in a position to contribute to a collegiate basketball program.  Washington went on to help his team at Florida Air Academy achieve a 34-0 regular season record and a Florida Class 3A State Championship. After graduating from Florida Air Academy, he also played at Winchendon Prep School in Massachusetts before enrolling at Hofstra.

As a high school senior, Washington was recruited by St. John’s, South Carolina and California, and lastly Hofstra. Being a native Long Islander, Washington chose Hofstra. However, Washington says the number one reason was because of his mother.

“I have a fan base, my mother, who has been at every game since high school,” said Washington. “She is my number one fan, and my biggest critic. I did not want to get away from that.”

Last season, Washington was recognized for his stellar shot blocking skills when he was named to the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) All-Defensive Team. Throughout his nearly three seasons at Hofstra, Washington’s most memorable moment was nailing a game-winning shot with 30 seconds left to help the Pride defeat Towson 71-68 on Feb. 7, 2009. “With the game winding down, it was one of those no-no-no shots, but it went in and it’s an experience that will be remembered,” he said.

Before leaving Hofstra, Washington has goals to win a CAA Championship and following college perhaps continue his basketball career.

“If the NBA is in my grasp, I’ll do it.,” he said.