Kermit Washington

Kermit Washington, born on September seventeenth, nineteen fifty-one, is a notable figure in American basketball history, recognized for both his playing and coaching careers. He is perhaps most infamous for an incident in nineteen seventy-seven when he punched opposing player Rudy Tomjanovich during a heated on-court altercation, a moment that would overshadow much of his playing career.

Despite not being highly sought after coming out of high school, where he averaged a modest four points per game at Coolidge Senior High School, Washington's talent blossomed at American University. There, he became one of only seven players in NCAA history to average twenty points and twenty rebounds over his collegiate career, showcasing his remarkable skills as a big defensive forward.

Throughout his ten seasons in the National Basketball Association, Washington averaged nine point two points and eight point three rebounds per game. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers as the fifth overall pick in the nineteen seventy-three NBA draft. Initially, he played limited minutes during his first three seasons, prompting him to seek guidance from retired coach Pete Newell. Under Newell's mentorship, Washington's game improved significantly, leading him to become a starter for several teams, including the Lakers, Boston Celtics, San Diego Clippers, Portland Trail Blazers, and Golden State Warriors.