University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Summer Update: Isaiah Washington
7/2/2018 9:15:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Read how the sophomore is getting prepared for his second season with the Gophers.
GopherSports.com will catch up with each of the Minnesota men's basketball team's returning players as they prepare for summer and the upcoming season. Below, read how sophomore Isaiah Washington is getting prepared for his second season with the Gophers.
GS: What have you been working on since the season ended?
IW: I've been working on my jumpshot, becoming a better scorer on all three levels, and really, defensively, getting after it.
GS: While the team didn't have the kind of year most were hoping for, you did have the chance to play quite a bit and get experience during your freshman season. What can you take from that?
IW: Moving forward I just don't want to have that feeling again that we had last year. We lost a lot of games in a row, and the last game in New York – and I just don't want to have that taste in my mouth again.
GS: Flashback to a year ago when you were arriving as a freshman. What's changed a year later?
IW: I feel a lot different. I feel like my body developed a lot in the offseason. Now we are just getting after it this summer and I think we've got a lot of talent to do some special things.
GS: What kind of advice has Coach Pitino given you?
IW: Come in with a different mindset, just want to get better. There's going to be a lot on our shoulders this year because of what happened last year.
GS: What are your impressions of new assistants Rob Jeter and Kyle Lindsted, and new strength coach Steve Felde?
IW: The new staff is great. They check up on you a lot, they talk to you. And the new strength coach, he really knows a lot. I feel like I've gotten a lot stronger in the first two weeks and getting ready for the season.
GS: What are your thoughts on Athletes Village?
IW: It's helped me a lot. More focus in the classroom with all of the tutors and everything, it's a more comfortable space. It just feels like home.
GS: Now that you're a veteran, how do you assess the freshman class?
IW: I feel like they are going to come in and work hard. The three freshmen that came in are really talented, and I just can't wait to see how they're going to play when we get on the court.
GS: What does the summer give you a chance to work on that isn't as possible during the school year?
IW: It really gives me a chance to get away from everything. I only have one class, so I've got more time in the gym and really focus on achieving our goals for next year.
GS: What are your favorite activities in the summer besides basketball?
IW: None. I just play basketball and go home. I play video games once in a while.
GS: What are you most excited about heading into next season?
IW: Just to prove all the doubters wrong, that's about it.