Derek Washington

In 2011, Derek Washington, former NAIA starting point guard, and Jade Carter, an All Conference player, formed Next Level Basketball Corporation (NLBC), a not-for-profit corporation. NLBC is committed to providing positive opportunities for basketball players.Their goal is to show the youth how to utilize basketball as a tool to be empowered for a better tomorrow.

Derek’s journey to the next level started after high school when he decided to move from Virginia to New York in an attempt to make a name for himself in an area known for breeding basketball players. He was so determined to play basketball, he enrolled himself in college as an unknown player in 2004, and after a year of just being a student, he was given the chance to play junior college basketball at the Fashion Institute of Technology (NYC) in 2005.

After adapting to the tough and aggressive attitude of New York City and JuCo basketball, he went from being a projected 3rd string point guard to starting every game his Freshman Year. During his year at FIT, his tough work ethic allowed him to be ranked top 10 in the nation for steals and assists in DIII junior college basketball. In the fall of 2005, he was forced to sit out due to financial difficulties and had to put his dreams of being a successful college player on hold. During the following summer, he was given an opportunity to attend Saint Gregory’s University on a scholarship and played 3 yrs of NAIA basketball as the starting point guard. During those 3 years, he was named to the Academic All-Conference team twice, showing his versatility as a hard worker on the court and off the court.

His drive to be successful was displayed even off of the basketball as he became active in nonathletic organizations and even became president of at Students in Free Enterprise at the University.
Throughout all of his years playing basketball, Derek has always been in a leadership position. As a point guard, it’s always been a natural responsibility to motivate others. His personal experiences have also allowed him help others overcome adversity, as he did in his career.