PBA veteran Jay Washingyon is adding a new chapter to his storied career as he signed with B.League runner-up Ryukyu Golden Kings in Japan, the team announced on Thursday, Sept. 8.
The 40-year-old, 16-year veteran forward is determined to prove that he still has a lot left in his tank as he is expected to provide contributions as backup to starting center Jack Cooley to the Golden Kings side which is depleted at the frontcourt with the injury to big man Hugh Watanabe.
“The 2021-22 season has been a great season for the Kings, but we have even bigger goals to achieve and we're excited to work towards them this season. I am proud to play for such a great organization and look forward to continued success," Washington said in a statement.
Washington was a four-time PBA champion and two-time Best Player of the Conference winner with stints with teams like San Miguel, TNT, GlobalPort, Rain or Shine and Blackwater, the last team he played for in the PBA.
Washington is the latest Filipino talent in the B.League, joining the likes of Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, Ray Parks Jr., Dwight Ramos, Greg Slaughter, and Justine Baltazar.
Aside from the 2022-23 season, the Golden Kings are also set to see action in the inaugural season of the East Asia Super League where they are grouped with 2022 PBA Philippine Cup champion San Miguel Beer in a home-and-away format.