Jalen Washington, the junior center for the University of North Carolina's basketball team, will not play against the Pitt Panthers tonight due to a knee injury sustained during the team’s recent overtime win against Boston College. This news was confirmed shortly before the game at the Petersen Events Center, where both teams looked to improve their standings within the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Washington's injury took place late in the matchup against Boston College on January 25, 2025, where he had delivered a standout performance, scoring 18 points and grabbing six rebounds before missing the final three and a half minutes. His absence marks another challenge for the Tar Heels, who already faced back-to-back losses prior to this game.
Although Washington participated in pregame warmups, he was officially ruled out due to the sprained left knee. The team managed to adjust its strategy, with Coach Hubert Davis opting to utilize a four-guard lineup centered around Ven-Allen Lubin. Other starters included RJ Davis, Seth Trimble, Elliot Cadeau, and Ian Jackson, as the Tar Heels looked to recover from their recent struggles.
Washington’s contributions had been significant throughout the season. Averaging 6.9 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game over 21 contests, his role as both scorer and rebounder adds depth to the Tar Heels’ frontcourt. At 6-foot-10 and 225 pounds, Washington’s size and skill set are invaluable, particularly as UNC prepares for rival Duke soon.
Earlier this season, Washington recorded his career-high 18 points against Boston College, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. With Washington sidelined, the remaining roster aims to fill the gap, hoping to keep the momentum going against Pitt. While the Tar Heels were trailing 24-23 with nine minutes remaining before halftime, they focused on capitalizing on their offensive strengths.
The need for camaraderie and teamwork has never been clearer for the Tar Heels. Without Washington, players like Trimble, who shone with 18 points and 12 rebounds against Boston College, must continue to step up. Will this group rise to the challenge? The coming days will reveal how the team copes with the setback of losing one of their key players.
Looking forward, Washington’s recovery will surely be monitored closely as the Tar Heels anticipate their next game at Cameron Indoor Stadium against the Duke Blue Devils. Scheduled to take place at 6:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, this rivalry showdown promises to be electric. It’s hoped Washington may be ready to return, which would provide the Tar Heels with the boost they need against their long-standing adversary.
Fans and analysts alike will be keeping tabs on Washington’s progress as the season continues, eager to see if he can swiftly regain his form after this injury. The Tar Heels’ season remains on the line as they strive to maintain competitiveness within the ACC and finalize their NCAA tournament positioning.