Isaiah Washington: New Home same Jelly
It’s a new day for Iona Basketball. Isaiah Washington is back home after transferring from the University of Minnesota. Although he had flashes of brilliance as a Golden Gopher, it was clear that the school wasn’t a good fit for him. After a very solid freshman campaign, his game retracted a bit his Sophomore season and got fewer minutes as a result. The Big Ten is one of the best leagues in the country and he got tested every game. He held his own on most nights but there were some nights that you could just tell that he needed a change of scenery in order to live up to his full potential. He has recently explained some of the perils he’s faced while in Minnesota. He needed to be back home. Back to his support system who loved him whether he scored 30 points or none at all. He wanted to stay close to family. Specifically, his grandmother who raised him in Harlem, NYC.
Isaiah Washington made his Iona debut on November 2nd vs Mount Saint Vincent’s in an exhibition game. Photo courtesy of Pat Mosquera / PMHoopsMedia
He had a lot of pressure on him since graduating from St. Raymond’s. He was ranked 62nd on ESPN’s top 100 High School Players list and the reining NY state Mr. Basketball. The Jellyfam was larger than life and expectations were through the roof. Fast forward to today and he now a Junior, back in the NYC area with a chip on his shoulder and as hungry as ever.
I just wasn’t myself (at Minnesota) and because of all the stuff going on back home, there was a lot on my mind… Coming back home, I feel that love again.
-Isaiah Washington
Being well known on Social Media platforms was a gift and a curse for Isaiah. The same fans who praised him when he was doing well were the same fans who crucified him when he was struggling. The Jellyfam collective is as close as you can get to young rockstars in New York City. Young people everywhere wanted to emulate the jelly finger roll layup that made Jellyfam famous. Being back home helps Isaiah get back some of the hometown fans and support system who started his basketball journey with him. He’s a few years older now and has that experience of playing at one of the highest levels in the country. He will be just fine once he gets to having fun again. He filled out a hardship waiver when he transferred, making him eligible to play right away instead of having to sit out a year. The MAAC is in trouble and fans of the Jellyfam should get ready for the Jelly show back in town.
Washington transferred from the University of Minnesota to be closer to home at Iona College. Photo courtesy of Pat Mosquera / PMHoopsMedia
On Saturday, November 2nd he made his Iona Debut to a slightly bigger crowd than the team usually expects for an exhibition game. The four-time MAAC champs are ready to make a run for their 5th title. Iona took on Mount Saint Vincent in a game that didn’t meany anything for the standings but meant everything for Washington. The first look at Washington at his new home was memorable. He scored 26 points on 9-12 shooting, grabbed 10 Rebounds and dishes out 6 assists. At times it simply looked too easy for him and he did what he wanted to on the court, a good sign for the Gales.
Washington scores 26 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assist in his debut. The 4 time MAAC champs look for Washington to continue that pace in order to bring another championship home. Photo courtesy of Pat Mosquera (PMHoopsMedia)
Aside from Washington, Iona will look for E.J. Crawford, Tajuan Agee, and fellow transfer Forward Mo Thiam to push the pace for the Gales this season. We will continue to follow the career of Isaiah Washington as he settles into his new home. Washington is a great young man. He inspires the youth every chance he gets and shows them that hard work and dedication pay off in the long term. He now gets another chance to shine and I couldn’t be more prouder. We have been fans since day 1 and hope that he continues to develop and mature his game.
****All Photography including cover Photo is courtesy of Pat Mosquera aka @PMHoopsMedia. Follow him!!