Player Profile
Hometown: Washington D.C.
Height: 6’2
Weight: 220
College: University Of Delaware
Position: Guard
Current Team: BC Odessa
Known For: Prolific scoring ability
Current Stats: PPG – 16.9 RPG – 4.1 APG – 3.4
Andrew Washington, better known as Sponge Bob to Washington D.C. hoops fans, is as famous for his hard nosed play as he is for his trademark Kobe Bryant like scowl. Call it a “game face”, call it a “zone”; when you see Sponge Bob play basketball, there’s no denying his level of focus on the court. Read as our Joshua Johnson discusses basketball with Andrew who is currently playing in Ukraine.
When did you first realize you had a talent for basketball?
I realized I had a talent for basketball my senior year of high school. I was always good but kind of a late bloomer because at first it was pure heart and athleticism, but I saw how far it could take me and how far i was willing to go with it especially once I learned how to really play.
Where did the nickname “Sponge Bob” come from?
The nickname sponge bob came from down Barry Farms, it also gave me a way that kids could never forget me. The guy on the mic, Miles Rawls gave me that name like 7-8 years ago and it just stuck.
What’s the most competitive game of basketball you’ve ever been involved in? What made it the most competitive and how did you do?
Well I’d say I’ve been in a lot of competitive games but down the farms it had to be a few years ago in the playoffs against Kevin Durant, Mike Beasley and Bill Walker. We won, I had 52 and I played them the final game of the regular season before the playoffs the week before and had 52 as well. I guess when you play against great competition you have to really step your game up.
Coming out of high school, were you highly recruited by major Division 1 colleges? If so, what colleges?
I wouldn’t say I was highly recruited. I played AAU so I got a lot of mail but the schools knew and I knew at the time I wasn’t putting in the work in the classroom that I should have been doing so the route I took was junior college and that was the best route for me.
Who is your inspiration in your life that’s motivating you to stay successful?
My inspiration and motivation is first my little sister, my daughter, and my mother. They make me want to go further and focus so much with this to give them the world
A lot of people play basketball all over the world. What would you say you have done better that gives you a name and face that people recognize?
I’m very passionate when I play and I play with an attitude and an edge. People that don’t even know basketball know that about me.
Given all of the success playing overseas, do you feel like you are well over-due for an opportunity to play in the NBA?
I don’t feel I’m well overdue but I feel I should definitely get the opportunity but honestly right now I’m happy and I’m blessed. I don’t think about that. I do my job and when that time comes it will come.
Which NBA player would you compare yourself to on the court and why?
I’d say my game really copies a mix of Charles Barkley, with a little bit of Robert Pack.
What areas of your game do you feel like you still need to improve upon?
Decision making, ball handling, shooting; it all has gotten better and continues to improve daily but basketball iq is the main thing you always can improve on. Right pass, right time, knowing personal time management; all of those things are important, especially overseas.
What is your ultimate goal in life outside of basketball?
Just be happy man and be able to always take care of my family and close friends. I love helping people that brings me more joy than putting up points on the scoreboard.
Describe the atmosphere at the Goodman Summer League at Barry Farms in South East Washington D.C.? Playing in the league, the fans etc…
Great. Made me the player I am today and only the strong survive down there and it’s all a tribute to the city and how it molds you to be the player you should be. If you can’t make it there you won’t make it anywhere.
Given the chance to pick from every NBA player that ever played the game, who would your Starting 5 consist of?
Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Lebron James, Charles Barkley.
What would you say to a young talented basketball player who isn’t in the NBA and thinks his window of opportunity might be closing?
Nobodies window is closed unless you think its closed never doubt yourself and always work harder than the next man. If it’s not worth working hard for it’s not worth having.
