Stefan (title)
Christopher Scott Washburn (born
May 13 1965 in
Hickory, North Carolina) is an American former professional
basketball player.
A 6'11"
center, Washburn was one of the top high school recruits in the country in
1982. He signed with
ACC powerhouse
North Carolina State University in
Raleigh. According to one of his former teammates, however, Washburn was a student in name only. He almost never attended classes, but coach
Jim Valvano always managed to get him eligible to play. He was also caught stealing a stereo, which netted him 46 hours in jail, a five-year suspended
prison term and five years of probation. Washburn's case was one of many detailed by Peter Golenbock in his book,
Personal Fouls, that effectively ended Valvano's career in
1990.
His work ethic was also called into question. Recruiting guru
Bob Gibbons claimed that Washburn was "never as good as his reputation," even as a high-school All-American. Gibbons was blasted by many N.C. State fans for suggesting that Washburn was going to break the Wolfpack basketball program, in response to Valvano's claim that Washburn would make the program.
Washburn was selected by the
Golden State Warriors with the 3rd overall pick of the
1986 NBA Draft. Washburn looked like the next
Karl Malone, at least in physical appearance, but not in moral fiber and work ethic. He played 72 games over two seasons with the Warriors and part of another with
Atlanta Hawks, averaging 3.1 points and 2.4 rebounds per game. He is widely considered to be one of the biggest busts in NBA draft history.
Sports Illustrated named him the second-biggest NBA draft bust in
2005. [
1]
Washburn was banned from the NBA for life in
June 1989 after flunking three drug tests in three years. He was last known to be in the mortgage business in Dallas.
*
College & NBA stats @ basketballreference.com*
Off-court problems derail Washburn, by Ray Glier @ usatoday.com, May 7, 2002
