LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION celebrating the life and legacy of Dwayne Alonzo
"Pearl" Washington

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge those
outstanding individuals who have gone before us, and who have distin-
guished themselves in their professional and personal lives through
their unwavering passion, dedication and substantial contributions to
their communities and this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to celebrate
the life and legacy of Dwayne Alonzo "Pearl" Washington who died on
April 20, 2016; and
WHEREAS, Born on January 6, 1964, Dwayne Alonzo "Pearl" Washington was
an iconic college and professional basketball player, who was raised in
Brooklyn and became a phenomenon on the court; he was named the No. 1
overall high school player in the United States in 1983; and
WHEREAS, In 1983, Pearl Washington brought his skills to Syracuse
University, where the 6'2" guard would become one of the most electrify-
ing players in the history of the Syracuse Men's Basketball program;
among his many signature moves was what was known as the "shake and
bake," in which he would leave his defensive opposition standing still
while he drove the ball to the hoop for a layup; and
WHEREAS, Pearl Washington, who possessed amazing ball handling skills,
an uncanny court sense, and the ability to pull off unbelievable plays,
made national headlines on January 24, 1984, at a game against Boston
College; and
WHEREAS, During the intense game against Boston College, Pearl Wash-
ington raced down the court and sank a shot from the center jump circle,
allowing Syracuse University to win the game with a score of 75-73 at
the buzzer; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of his three-year career at Syracuse Univer-
sity, Pearl Washington averaged 15.6 points, 6.7 assists, and 2.7
rebounds; he tallied 1,490 career points in three years, which is a
total that still ranks 25th on the school's scoring list; and
WHEREAS, Pearl Washington was named the Big East Rookie of the Year, a
First Team Big East Player all three seasons of his college career, and
an All-American his junior year at Syracuse University; and
WHEREAS, In 1986, Pearl Washington was drafted by the New Jersey Nets
in the 1st round (13th pick) of the National Basketball Association
(NBA) draft, and he played for the Nets for two seasons; and
WHEREAS, Pearl Washington also played for the Rapid City Thrillers and
the San Jose Jammers in the Continental Basketball Association; and
WHEREAS, In 2004, Pearl Washington was named to the Big East Confer-
ence 25th Anniversary first team, and his uniform No. 31 was retired by
Syracuse University on March 2, 1996; furthermore, Pearl Washington was
named a Syracuse Letterwinner of Distinction in 2014; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Pearl Washington was a champion off the basket-
ball court, being actively involved in numerous charitable and community
endeavors, and was described by SU Men's Basketball Coach Jim Boeheim,
and many others, as one of the most humble players and human beings;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor and remember the life and legacy of Dwayne Alonzo "Pearl" Washing-
ton; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Dwayne Alonzo "Pearl" Washington.