Forward Chris Washington Talks First Month With Tennessee Basketball | Rocky Top Insider

Tennessee freshman forward Chris Washington Jr met with the local media earlier this week in his first press conference after committing and signing with the Vols back in the spring.

Washington discussed why he chose Tennessee, what position he has mostly been working at this summer and much more. Here’s everything Washington said.

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On what led to him de-committing from Alabama, eventually committing to Tennessee

“Honestly, I just felt like that for me and my family, that was just the best decision for me. And I found my right school, I feel like.”

On his first impressions of the team

“Like I said, me and the guys, we came a long way just from this first month, you know, getting help from DeWayne, and the team, it’s just been a blessing.”

On what the first month has been like for him personally

“Honestly, just getting better day by day. Coach Barnes, he’s coaching me hard. So honestly, just stacking days, just getting better day by day.”

On what Rick Barnes is harping on with him right now

“My defense. The whole country know I can score the ball, so just me, just working on my rotations, being right in the gaps. Defense.”

On what position he is working at.

“Right now, they got me playing four.” 

On if they sold development based on his film or Tennessee’s track record

“I mean, honestly, just the track record of like guys he did put in the league, you know what I’m saying? I want to be pro, so like I said, I came to Tennessee, I felt like they’re gonna get me there, he’s gonna get me there.”

On who have been the verbal leaders on the team

“My boy DeWayne and my boy Kenbell (Duncan Campball), them two. They’ve been kind of really helping me.”

On how Tennessee sophomore forward DeWayne Brown has helped the newcomers understand what it’s like to play for the Vols

“I be in practice sometimes, I’ll get lost and he’ll kind of just help me a little bit. I mean, honestly, him just guiding us when we mess up.”

On his relationship with the rest of his freshman class: Manny Green, Ralph Scott and Marquis Clark; if he knew about them on the AAU circuit

“It’s been a great relationship. I didn’t play those guys on the circuit, so for us to be all on the same team, it’s a good thing.”

On playing AAU basketball in Knoxville; if that helped his decision

“It’s great, you know? It’s just amazing, honestly. I’m just glad to be here.”

On how he is liking the new Adidas uniforms

“I’m loving it. We’re in Adidas gear. I’m liking it, I’m loving it.”

On his strengths on offense

“I’d say getting to the rim, getting to my spots, and my (ability) to catch and shoot.”

On where his spots are

“Really just getting to the mid-range, getting down hill.”

On watching last year’s Vols get drafted

“Coach Barnes, him getting those guys there, I know my time’s gonna come.”

On his freshman class

“Oh, we got the best class, I feel like, honestly. We got a good class.”

Why he feels Tennessee has the best freshman class

“Shoot, we all can score, honestly. (Barnes) recruited a lot of scores this year. Even our freshman class, we can all get a bucket.”