Education, Improved Game Among Reasons Hogs' Michael Washington Returned

Will Flowers With his mother's advice to stay in college, pro prospect Michael Washington chose to play his senior season with the Hogs.

Mike Washington had thrown his name into the NBA draft pool last summer and was trying to decide if he should go pro or return for his senior season at the University of Arkansas.

Arkansas’ 6-foot-9-inch, 240-pound big man sought counsel from a lot of places. Plenty of folks had input — even more wanted a say — but there was one person Washington trusted above any other with his future.

It wasn’t Razorbacks Coach John Pelphrey. It wasn’t an NBA scout. It wasn’t a so-called media draft expert.

“You know I got to listen to my mom,” Washington said.

In the end, Washington said, his mother’s desire for him to return to school mattered more than anything else.

Her 23-year-old son’s education was Shalettera Washington’s primary concern, and he will be a summer session away from completing his undergraduate degree by the time the 2010 NBA Draft comes around in June.

‘We Can Do Better’

Beyond that, coming back will give Washington a chance to improve his basketball skills. And it gives Arkansas a much-needed talent boost as it looks to improve on a disappointing 14-16 season that included — as Washington points out — a 2-14 mark in the Southeastern Conference.

“We can do better,” Washington said.