Washington Will Return to Syracuse

Dwayne (Pearl) Washington will have one last chance to say goodby to the city where he rose to basketball prominence.

The New Jersey Nets, with the former Syracuse University star running the offense, will play the Cleveland Cavaliers in an NBA exhibition game here Oct. 17, said promoter Chris Cordes.

“I’m looking forward to Oct. 17,” Washington said after the game was announced. “It means a lot to me to have a chance to say goodby to a lot of people, fans, to friends, playing in front of what I consider my hometown now.”

The game will be held in the 7,500-seat Onondaga County War Memorial--a far cry from the 33,000 fans who would jam the Carrier Dome to see Washington and the Orangemen play.

“The bottom line is playing in Syracuse,” Washington said. “That’s what’s important.”