Washington’s legacy built on men, not moments

Washington’s legacy built on men, not moments

By Robert Alfonso Jr.

MABLETON, Ga. — The game keeps changing. George Washington never stops changing with it.

Schemes evolve. Players evolve. Even coaching styles bend with time. But at Pebblebrook High School, one thing has remained immovable for 15 years under Washington’s watch: the standard.

“What excites me still about coaching is just turning these young men into men and watching them execute the game plan,” Washington said.

That plan — built on discipline, belief, and brotherhood — delivered a milestone in January: career win No. 300. A number that reflects excellence, yes, but more than that, endurance. Commitment. Legacy.

After Wednesday nights, 73-49, win over Osborne the Falcons improved to 14-6 overall and 8-2 in the region, puts them tied with Hillgrove in AAAAAA Region 3. Pebblebrook is on a three-game winning streak and Washington has improved his record to 303.

The Alabama native has spent a decade and a half pacing the Falcons sideline, and the weight of that journey still catches in his voice.

“I get emotional just thinking about the journey and thinking about all the kids,” he said. “I think about all the fun times and all the places we’ve been.”

What makes the number 300 even more remarkable is where the story began.

Washington didn’t start with a powerhouse. He started in a middle school gym at Lindley Middle, a Pebblebrook feeder, coaching girls basketball. Back then, the goal was simple: help kids, win a few games, and enjoy the ride.

Then came Khalidah Miller.

She was a player with Division I dreams and the work ethic to match. Her drive forced Washington to level up, to study harder, coach smarter, and believe bigger.

“She was really inspirational and helpful in my success,” Washington said. “Thanks, Khalidah.”

That spark turned into purpose. Purpose turned into a profession.

When Washington took over the Pebblebrook boys program for the 2012–13 season, the climb was steep. The Falcons won just four games that first year. Four.

Today, Pebblebrook isn’t just respected in Georgia — it’s recognized nationally.

The program has sent a steady pipeline of talent to the next level, including NBA guard Collin Sexton, Jared Harper, Derek Ogbeide, Trhae Mitchell, and Ty Hudson. The tradition continues with senior Zyree Brown, now signed with Kennesaw State.

The breakthrough years came when Pebblebrook made deep GHSA playoff runs, turning Georgia Tech’s arena into a sea of Falcons pride during Final Four appearances in 2015 and 2016. That was the moment the rest of the country started paying attention.

“To watch the program grow to national prominence, to watch all the players go to college in the program…” Washington said, his voice trailing off with pride.

But banners and brackets don’t define him. Transformation does.

Washington has reinvented himself nearly every season, adjusting to new personalities, new challenges, and new eras of the game. In the process, he says, his players have shaped him just as much as he’s shaped them.

His faith anchors it all.

“My prayer life has impacted my winning,” Washington said. “Life has impacted my success and my prayer life has helped me overcome those difficult moments.”

Inside Pebblebrook’s program, basketball is the vehicle. Growth is the mission.

Three hundred wins says George Washington knows how to build a winner.

Fifteen years of young men walking out of his program stronger than they walked in — that’s the legacy he’s really chasing.