One of the standouts at the Real Deal at the Hill in Arkansas in April was Class of 2010 forward Julian Washburn from Duncanville (Tex.) High. The name should sound familiar to NC State fans. He is the son of former Wolfpack player Chris Washburn.
"I really don't know what he did at NC State, but I know he was very good, that's all," Washburn said. "[NC State has] been in contact in me. I like the school, it's a real nice school."
However there was a "but" that followed that statement, which was followed by Washburn's declaration of an early favorite.
"The school I am thinking about right now is Texas probably," he said. "The school I am thinking about going to is Texas. I just like how they let Kevin Durant play."
The 6-foot-7, 200-pound Washburn said he idolizes Durant, and the Longhorns have shown serious interest in Washburn.
"Yes they offered, but I am not committed yet, but they offered," he said. "I like UCLA, too, I like the way they play defense and how everybody is good."
Washburn played for Texas Select at the Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions over this past weekend, held across the Triangle region in North Carolina. The trip was a homecoming of sorts for Washburn.
"I used to live in North Carolina for like three years but I moved to Texas," he said. "This is my first time back in about five years."
As for whether or not his father ever talks about his playing days at NC State's Reynolds Coliseum, the younger Washburn says, "He always talks about it."
Washburn averaged 7.7 points a contest in three games at the TOC, making only four field goals but aggressively attacking the basket and getting to the free throw line 17 times. hitting 15.
At the Real Deal at the Hill, Rivals.com's Justin Young named Washburn one of the top 2010 prospects at the event.
"Washburn, a 6-foot-7 forward from Duncanville High School, is a match-up problem because of his inside-out capabilities," Young wrote. "Washburn is tough on the glass on both ends of the floor as a rebounder, and now becoming a growing threat as a perimeter scorer. He's made improvements every time we've seen him."
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Video bonus: Click below to watch Washburn in action, wearning No. 35, for Team Texas.