Washington thrilled to return as Texter

INCHEON, South Korea – In 2005, Jay Washington came to Talk n Text as a young, exciting prospect.

In 2014, he will return as a veteran who has seen it all.

Washington has gone full circle as he returns to the team where it all started. On Monday, the 32-year old forward was dealt by GlobalPort to Talk N Text in exchange for defensive big man Noy Baclao, the draft rights to rookie Harold Arboleda and a 2018 second round pick.

The deal is expected to be approved by PBA Commissioner Chito Salud on Tuesday.

Here in this burgeoning industrial city, more than an hour away from Seoul, the capital of South Korea, Washington looked like a re-energized soul with the news of the trade. 

"It's very exciting. I'm going back to where I started my career. It's like returning home in a way," Washington told Philstar.com. "I'm just waiting for official word that it's done already."

But it feels like a home away from home for Washington as he has been with newly installed Talk n Text coach Jong Uichico and some of his new teammates Ranidel de Ocampo, Jayson Castro and Jimmy Alapag for more than two months now as a member of the Gilas Pilipinas.

"I'm very thankful and grateful to Boss MVP (Manny V. Pangilinan and Boss Ricky (Vargas) for bringing me back after all these years. I hope to win them championships with the great team and coaching staff we'll have there," Washington said.

After being one of the leaders of a young struggling franchise last season, Washington will come in as one of the pieces of a solid, winning franchise.

"Returning to the TNT family and all their fans will be special for me. That team is built to win right now and I plan to help them do so," Washington said.

He is coming off a solid season where he averaged his second career-best 15.6 points and 7.5 rebounds for GlobalPort.

Though he never had a winning season with the Batang Pier, Washington gained his confidence back after hitting a slump in his career during his last year with the San Miguel franchise.

"I'm thankful to Boss Mikee and Boss Erick at GlobalPort for giving me the opportunity to get my game back and all the support they and the fans gave me," Washington said. "I wish them the best of luck in the future."

From 2005-2008 at Talk N Text, Washington was feeling his way into the league. In 2006, he was sent to San Miguel for the rights to Jayson Castro. Six years later since he and Talk n Text parted ways, Washington felt that the reunion could not have come at a better time.

"I guess I could say I've gained a lot of experience since those days and have matured a lot, not as rough around the edges," Washington said.