Deron Washington

After two years at Notre Dame Academy in Green Bay, WI, Deron transferred. At National Academy as a junior, Washington averaged 11.5 points per game and made 65 three-pointers, even while missing nine games in the middle of the year due to a broken wrist. Following his junior year, Washington was rated #87 nationally by HoopScoop and #124 nationally by Rivals.com. He was also rated as the #2 wing forward by MarylandPrepHoops.com.^[1]

Washington finished his senior season averaging 16.7 points, 10.0 rebounds, three assists, and three blocks per game for NCA.^{[citation needed]}

Following his high school senior year at National Christian Academy, Washington was rated as a three-star prospect on Rivals.com.^[2] He chose to attend Virginia Tech, who had not reached the NCAA tournament since the 1995–1996, and play for newly acquired head coach Seth Greenberg.

Washington was immediately used in the Hokies' system, starting 30 games in his freshman season. He finished his season second on the team in field goal percentage (47.6) and fourth in rebounding (4.6). He also added 7.9 points per game, 1.0 assists per game, 1.0 blocks per game and 1.0 steals per game.

The Hokies finished the season with 16–14 overall record, and an 8–8 ACC conference record. They lost in the first round of the ACC tournament and were chosen to play in the National Invitational Tournament. They defeated their first opponent Temple, 60–50 and lost to Memphis in the second round, 83–62.

In his sophomore season, Washington became the team's fourth leading scoring at 10.5 points per game and third leading rebounder at 5.0 rebounds per game.

His best statistical game came against Mount Saint Mary's University where he made eight of ten field goals, scoring 24 points. He also recorded then-career highs, with ten rebounds, five blocks and three steals.

Virginia Tech finished the season with a 14–16 overall record and 4–12 in the conference. They were eliminated in the first round of the ACC Tournament against the Virginia Cavaliers and were not selected for any post-season tournament.

In his junior season, Washington was the second leading scorer on the team at 12.0 points per game and averaged 6.5 rebounds per game. He averaged 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks per game.

The Hokies finished the 2006–2007 with a record of 22–12, with an ACC record of 10–6 and earned their first NCAA Tournament bid since the 1995–1996 season.

Virginia Tech earned a #5 seed and were matched up against Illinois in the first round. The Hokies faced a 13-point deficit with just over eight minutes left to play, but came back to win 54–52, keyed by a running bank shot by Washington with 46 seconds remaining.^[3] Virginia Tech lost the second-round game against Southern Illinois 63–48.

Washington finished his senior season with career bests in points (13.5 per game), rebounds (6.5 per game) and assists (2.3 per game). The Hokies finished the season 22–14 (9–7). VT was selected for the NIT and reached the quarterfinals, defeating Morgan State 94–62, and UAB 75–49 before losing to Ole Miss 81–72.