Buzz Williams describes Solomon Washington as one of the smartest players at Texas A&M

Buzz Williams has a lot of quality players throughout his lineup at Texas A&M. However, one that doesn’t get the praise in a way which he thinks that the specific person should is Solomon Washington, the sophomore forward.

Williams spoke highly about Washington and his intelligence following his performance in the 67-66 victory for the Aggies over Florida on Saturday. While it might not always be on display publicly, he had no issue calling him the smartest player on their roster and the second smartest person in their building overall.

“Solo is very smart,” Williams said. “I don’t know if that comes across that way. He has typically not been in environments such as this media room. But I think he is the second smartest person in our program other than TJ Ryan. I think most of our group would say that.”

That knowledge is a benefit to Washington when he is doing some of his best work on the defensive end. His frame and skill on that side combined with his comprehension and ability to think makes him as high-caliber as he is on defense for the Aggies.

“I don’t know if he’s necessarily the best speaker. But he for sure wants to guard who he thinks the best player is, regardless of position. That is, arguably, his best skill,” said Williams. “He’s really smart so he knows what they’re doing. He can handle any ball-screen coverage, whether he’s guarding the ball or guarding the screener.”

“6’7 – legitimate size. A high-level athlete with a high-level IQ,” Williams added.

In his second collegiate season, Washington is averaging 5.6 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. He is doing so in just over 20 minutes per game in 19 appearances. He is also tied for the lead in blocks at Texas A&M with Wilden Leveque while also being top-five in steals.

That included this weekend where, in 30 minutes, Washington went for 10 points, tied for his second-most on the year. He also collected four rebounds, three assists, a career-high tying three blocks, and a steal.

After being down as much as 13 against the Gators, Washington was out on the floor late for a reason. With a one-point lead in the final possession, Washington switched from Tyrese Samuel off a screen to play on-ball defense on Zyon Pullin. Pullin lost the ball and, upon the recovery from Walter Clayton Jr., Washington switched onto him too and contested the potential game-winner. He missed, the Gators got one more look after an offensive rebound, and then the game was over after Washington secured the final rebound.

Washington is someone that Williams knows is, if nothing else, going to battle. Add in his cognitive ability and he becomes as important as he is to the Aggie lineup.

“Because of how he grew up, where he’s from, and his life story? He embraces how hard things are and he wants to be at the front of the line,” Williams said.

“He was throughout the day. But, those last two possessions? He was stellar,” said Williams.