The heart of SEMO: Teddy Washington Jr.'s leadership drives Redhawks Men's Basketball forward

When Teddy Washington Jr. arrived at Southeast Missouri State, he wasn’t just another transfer looking for a fresh start—he was a player with experience, drive, and a knack for making an impact on both ends of the court.

Now in his senior season, Washington has become a key figure for the Redhawks, leading the team in scoring, steals and rebounds while establishing himself as one of the most well-rounded players in the Ohio Valley Conference.

His journey to SEMO wasn’t conventional. After stints at Pensacola State, Shawnee Community College, Moberly Area CC, and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, Washington finally found his way to Cape Girardeau.

The decision, he says, was an easy one.

“I came on my visit here and just fell in love with the coaches. I played ball with the players; we had a scrimmage. I just felt like I knew then it was the place for me,” Washington said. “The love the coaches show and how genuine the players were, I knew it had to be home.”

That connection translated onto the court.

Washington has started strong, averaging 14.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game. He leads the team in three major statistical categories and has proven to be a defensive force, recording 12 blocks and disrupting opposing offenses with his intensity.

His breakout performance came in SEMO’s conference opener, where he put up 28 points and 10 rebounds in a win over Eastern Illinois—an effort that earned him OVC Player and Newcomer of the Week honors.

Head Coach Brad Korn said Washington’s impact goes beyond the stat sheet.

“I think the main thing, whether that’s offense or defense, he’s going to compete on every possession,” Korn said. “He wants to win. He just really knows the game and as the guys say, he’s got that dog mentality.”

That mentality has earned Washington the respect of his teammates, including returning junior point guard Rob Martin.

“Teddy works hard on both ends,” Martin said. “He can score the ball at a high level and he just gets lost in the game. That’s what’s helped Teddy have success this year.

Washington credits his journey—playing in multiple programs, learning different systems, and facing different challenges—for shaping his approach.

“It shaped me, but it also taught me a lot of stuff,” Washington said. “Encountering so many different personalities, different people, different cities, different situations… it’s helped me learn and grow as a person.”

His leadership style, he says, is simple: lead by example.

“I’m not the most vocal guy, but I want to set the tone with how I play,” Washington said. “If I do things the right way, I hope my teammates see that and follow.”

That leadership extends off the court as well. During Thanksgiving, Washington invited several teammates to his home in Blytheville, Arkansas, a gesture that speaks to the close-knit bond this Redhawks team has developed.

“Teddy’s got this infectious personality,” Korn said. “He’s old-school, laid back, but the guys respect the way he plays and prepares and practices.”

As the season progresses, Washington’s role will only continue to grow. SEMO currently sits at 12-10 overall and 7-4 in conference play, with sights set on making a run in the OVC tournament. For Washington, the goal is clear—keep pushing forward.

“I just want to win,” he said. “Everything else will take care of itself.”