Bub Carrington: From Pitt Panther to Promising NBA Guard

Carlton "Bub" Carrington, a former standout player for the Pittsburgh Panthers, has quickly transitioned into a noteworthy NBA player. His journey from a Baltimore high school star to a Washington Wizards rookie is marked by impressive skills, a strong work ethic, and a deep connection to his community.

Early Life and High School Career

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, on July 21, 2005, Carrington developed his athletic abilities early on, participating in football and baseball before focusing on basketball at St. Frances Academy. There, he scored over 2,000 points, showcasing his scoring prowess and versatility.

College Career at Pittsburgh

Carrington committed to the University of Pittsburgh as a four-star recruit. Despite being one of the youngest players in college basketball, he made an immediate impact. In his first game against North Carolina A&T Aggies, he recorded a triple-double with 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. During the 2023-2024 season, Carrington averaged 13.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, leading the team in assists and finishing second in both points and rebounds. He earned ACC All-Freshman and All-ACC Tournament (2nd Team) honors. He holds the program record for most minutes played by a freshman (1,986) and most three pointers in a game (7).

Strengths and Weaknesses in College Play

Carrington's offensive game at Pitt was characterized by his versatility. He excelled in pick-and-roll situations, often creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. His ability to read defenses and make quick decisions made him a valuable playmaker. Defensively, Carrington demonstrated a commitment to staying with his matchup and using his length to disrupt opponents.

However, Carrington also faced challenges during his time at Pitt. He struggled to finish at the rim due to his slight frame and lack of strength. His three-point shooting percentage was also inconsistent, and he didn't offer much without the ball in his hands.

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Draft Combine Performance

After his freshman season, Carrington declared for the NBA Draft. He impressed scouts at the NBA Draft Combine with his shooting ability and playmaking skills. His performance solidified his status as a potential first-round pick.

NBA Career with the Washington Wizards

Carrington was drafted by the Washington Wizards. The Wizards got the No. 14 pick (Carrington) in a trade that sent Deni Avdija to the Trail Blazers. They also received Malcolm Brogdon, a 2029 First Round pick and two second round picks.

Rookie Season Performance

Carrington has had a solid rookie season, putting him amongst the best in the NBA. Sam Vecenie of The Athletic ranked his top 15 rookies in the NBA this season and placed Carrington at No. 11. He has had a solid first campaign so far, leading all NBA rookies with 30.2 minutes per game, while ranking second with 3.8 assists per game, tied for second with 1.5 3-pointers per game, tied for fourth with 0.7 steals per game, fifth with 4.3 rebounds per game and tied for sixth with 81.5% shooting from the free throw line and 34.1% shooting from behind the arc.

Building Relationships and Team Culture

Carrington has also built a strong relationship with former Pitt forward Justin Champagnie (2019-21), who has started the 14 contests for the Wizards this season. He is part of a stellar rookie class for the Wizards, including French center Alex Sarr (No. 2 overall) and Miami forward Kyshawn George (No. 24 overall), who hails from Switzerland. Carrington says. "One of the jobs we want to do here is change the culture and win games. We can grow together, and we plan to. We have a good relationship, and we are building that knowing we could be here for a long time. That’s the main thing. We want to maintain that. We are good friends. We play video games and shop together."

Strengths and Areas for Improvement in the NBA

Carrington's playmaking abilities have translated well to the NBA. He has a knack for finding open teammates and making difficult passes. His defensive fundamentals are also solid, and he is committed to staying with his matchup.

However, Carrington still needs to improve his scoring consistency and efficiency. He struggles to finish at the rim and needs to develop a more reliable three-point shot. He also needs to become more effective without the ball in his hands.

Personal Life and Community Involvement

Carrington's commitment to his community is evident in his decision to return to the camp he attended as a child to mentor young players. He understands the importance of giving back and providing opportunities for others. "I just wanted to give back. The kids are putting in the same work I did at that camp. I did the same drills, and I am blessed that I had opportunities to get where I am now."

Playing close to home brings extra pressure to Washington Wizards’ rookie guard Carlton “Bub” Carrington. He grew up in West Baltimore and played high school basketball at St. Carrington received about 150 ticket requests from family and friends for Washington’s home opener in late October against the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics. Yet the 19-year-old Carrington won’t complain. Clearly, the pros outweigh the cons.

Mentorship and Role Models

Throughout his career, Carrington has been fortunate to have mentors who have guided and supported him. Carmelo Anthony has been a particularly influential figure, providing advice and encouragement. Jordan Poole has also served as a role model, helping Carrington understand the game from a different perspective.

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