Sports Legends Of The Past: #3
Legends of the Past # 3
He only played three seasons in the NBA, one with the Miami Heat and two with the New Jersey Nets. Although not a long NBA career, he is still a New York City basketball legend, a Syracuse basketball legend, and one of the great streetballers of his day.
His name; Dwayne “Pearl” Washington.
Background
Dwayne Washington was born in Brooklyn, New York, on January 6th, 1964. He picked up basketball at an early age and excelled. In high school, he was touted as one of the top basketball players in the country. On the blacktop, Washington became a New York streetball legend. Playing in the King Towers courts of Harlem, Dwatne was nicknamed “Pearl” in comparison to Earl “the Pearl” Monroe, who was another New York baller who was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1990.
Pearl’s show-stopping plays and incredible ability to take defenders off the dribble earned him a scholarship at the University of Syracuse, playing under legendary Coach Jim Boheim.
The Orange
Pearl played three of his four years of eligibility with The Orange and Jim Boheim. His Freshman year, he averaged a solid 14.4 points per game, and this only got better throughout his time at ‘Cuse. 15.4 points per game in his Sophomore year and 17.3 in his Junior season, Pearl started every game and delivered for the Orange.
In his time at Syracuse, the Orange finished in the top 3 each year in the Big East Conference standings. He was a three-time All-Big East Conference player, earned All-American recognition, and led the Orange in assists and steals in his three seasons at ‘Cuse.
Summary
Unfortunately, Pearl didn’t see the same success he saw at Syracuse in the NBA. His best season came in 1988 when he averaged 9.3 points per game and 1.3 steals. He never played more than 72 games in his NBA career. After struggling to adapt to the NBA, Pearl left. He played a couple of seasons in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) before eventually retiring. Syracuse retired Pearl’s #31 jersey in 1996.
In 2016, Pearl passed away due to complications from a brain tumor. The University of Syracuse unveiled a tribute on the basketball court with his number 31. Washington was later inducted into Syracuse’s Ring of Honor in December of 2022.
Closing
Dwayne “Pearl” Washington was one of the most legendary New York City streetballers. He was one of the best basketball players for Syracuse and will forever be immortalized in their Ring of Honor.
Pearl Washington, truly one of New York’s finest.
Rest in peace, Pearl Washington.
