The rise of Washington -Kadari Richmond contained an unusual three -pointter for lead guards following Tuesday night.
When Davon Smith continued to rest on the wounded right shoulder, Richmond picked up a slack and set up a tone in the Capital One Arena 66-41 Blitz in Georger Town's 15th St. Johns.
Richmond won 11 out of 13 points in Johnny's dominant first half and sank triple. It was his first three pointers since November. He also had six rebounds, three blocks, and two steel.
“I don't say he's done,” Richmond said about Smith's absence and his recent improved play. “I just know that I'm a better player than I started the season, and I work every day. That's true.”
RED STORM's current seven games have scored six digits in two digits. He has gained 12.2 points, 5.2 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.5 steel, which looks like the most expected impact transfer.
After this latest victory, Pitino greeted Richmond's play, praised his senior's recent progress, and joked about his three pointer.
“Now he suddenly thinks he is a stiff curry junior. He has made it. We intend to continue to work,” Pitino said. “He's just an amazing player. There's a lot of things he's doing, so you can't see it.
“I have something I like about here. He knows when he made a mistake, and he raises his thumb as soon as I get on him. He already does it I know all the mistakes.
Smith is ready to return almost from the wound right shoulder. He practiced on Monday and experienced completely individual training on Tuesday.
PITINO estimated that the possibility of playing with Providence on Saturday is 60 % to 70 %.
“He is ready to play. He is afraid of psychological hits,” said Pitino. “He is ready to play physically. We paid attention and made mistakes.”
Smith has missed three out of the past four games since he was injured against Villanova on January 11 in the first half.
He won the Seton Hall on January 18 and played for 17 minutes, but he didn't feel right.
