With Syracuse upsetting Virginia Sunday night to earn the last berth in the Final Four, this is a good time to send out well wishes to one of the greatest Syracuse players ever, Dewayne “Pearl” Washington.
Pearl Washington is one of the most exciting college basketball players ever. He is currently battling brain cancer, and we know watching his beloved Orangemen beat Virginia will put a smile on his face.
Now, for you new schoolers, let me put you up on Pearl. During his college career at Syracuse he represented everything that was great about the then powerful Big East Conference.
The Pearl was a New York playground legend, and he enrolled at Syracuse University in 1983 as the country’s No. 1 ranked player. He did not disappoint.The 6-foot-2, point guard, was a brilliant passer, and playmaker.
He went on to become a three-time All Big East Conference player and the MVP of the Big East tournament in 1986. Pearl averaged 16 points and seven assists per game during his career.
But it was his leadership, charisma and competitive spirit made him special, and fun to watch. Pearl left Syracuse after his junior year, and was drafted by the New Jersey Nets. He only played three seasons in the NBA, and did not have the impact many predicted. However, that does not take away from his superb college career, that we celebrate today.
Below are some highlights of the Pearl in action. We wish him the best:
