Solomon Washington gets shot at NBA after inking with hometown Pelicans

Ahmed Ghafir
1 day ago
2 min read

One year after producing a lottery pick, Maryland men's basketball will have a chance at sending another to the NBA.

Solomon Washington will also begin that journey back in his hometown after announcing his signing with the New Orleans Pelicans, giving him a chance to impress during Summer League.

New Orleans is set to open Summer League on Thursday, July 9 against the Minnesota Timberwolves before facing the Charlotte Hornets on July 11, Phoenix Suns on July 12 then Cleveland Cavaliers on July 15. Teams are set to play a fifth game between July 17-19 with opponents and dates finalized after the set round of games. The good news is he will now look to impress the Pelicans through the rest of preseason with a chance of joining Derik Queen as another former Terp in New Orleans.

Washington never averaged double figures scoring during his four year career, narrowly missing the mark during his lone season in College Park with 9.8 points per game, but he proved himself as a defender and asset on the boards. His 9.2 rebounds led the team, along with his 1.1 steals per game as he proved to be the veteran leader in a transition and struggling year one under Buzz Williams.

Maybe the biggest question is what Washington's lone season at Maryland would look like if Pharrel Payne returned from injury, but that would have scrapped Payne's path toward returning in 2026-27. Yet Washington was asked to do more for Maryland in his absence with Diggy Coit and, at times, Darius Adams stepping up to fill the scoring production before Andre Mills caught fire in the second half of his freshman season.

Washington was among four transfers to follow Buzz Williams from Texas A&M to Maryland after emerging as a key part of the Aggies' rotation during his final two seasons with the program.

Washington will now look to become the seventh Terp in the NBA alongside Julian Reese (Wizards), Kevin Huerter (Pistons), Derik Queen (Pelicans), Jalen Smith (Bulls), Aaron Wiggins (Hawks) and Jahmir Young (Heat).

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