Going into the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters’ tilt against the Mahindra Floodbuster Sunday afternoon, 12-year league veteran Jay Washington needed six more points to join an exclusive club in the PBA: the 5,000 point club.
In the PBA’s rich history, only 82 players are part of this exclusive group, with 78 locals.
Washington made an impact during the second frame of their affair against Mahindra, scoring two quick buckets. Then with 2:30 left in the half, Chris Tiu was able to find Washington on the break for an easy lay-in. And there it was: he became the 83rd player in league history to score 5,000 points.
“[At least] It didn’t take me 20 years to get that 5000,” Washington quipped after Rain or Shine’s 99-95 win over Mahindra.
Besides joining the club, the first overall pick in the 2005 PBA Draft was also the first player in Rain or Shine’s 11-year history to reach that feat with them.
Though he only joined the team this season, Washington’s career in the Philippines started with the Welcoat Dragons back in the PBL. And for the native of San Antonio, Zambales, he is proud that this feat happened with the Asian Coatings Philippines, Incorporated-owned franchise.
“It’s full circle to be back here — getting back here and having that kind of milestone.
“I’m grateful for them for bringing me back and being part of this family. It’s an honor,” the two-time Best Player of the Conference declared.
Moreover, after playing for five PBA franchises, Washington hopes that he can finish his career with this family.
“That’s how it was written for me so far. Hopefully, I’ll be here for the remainder of my career—start here and finish here,” shared Washington, who registered his career-high of 30 points back in September 20, 2013.
“That’s my plan and that’s what I want.”
