Washington hopes to take another step toward top of Pac-12

SEATTLE (AP) — By the tip of final season, Washington coach Mike Hopkins believed the Huskies had been on an upward trajectory.

Washington gained 11 convention video games — the second-most by the Huskies within the earlier 10 seasons — and completed tied for fifth within the Pac-12.

However conserving that momentum going into this season will imply counting on one other set of recent gamers combining with some key holdovers if the Huskies are to inch their method nearer to the highest of the convention.

“The potential is there to be actually good, however it’s a piece in progress,” Hopkins stated. “We’ve acquired some nice items. Actually enthusiastic about that, however we’ve acquired to come back collectively, acquired to implement the system, these sorts of issues. However I really feel very optimistic.”

Rejoining the Pac-12 elite can be the optimum state of affairs for Washington and maybe the one which Hopkins wants. After a splashy efficiency in his first two seasons, the Huskies haven’t lived as much as expectations, resulting in questions on Hopkins’ job safety.

Washington went 17-15 total final season earlier than dropping within the quarterfinals of the Pac-12 event. It was a big enchancment after the Huskies went 5-21 within the 2020-21 season, however this system has struggled since reaching the NCAA Event in 2019.

“Being 17-15 is clearly not our customary. It’s not the place we wish to be. We wish to be taking part in within the postseason and competing,” Hopkins stated. “However we gained 11 video games within the league after struggling. … We had been picked second-to-last and got here in fifth, tied, so there was plenty of positives and I wish to concentrate on these.”

Washington’s returnees are highlighted by wing Jamal Bey and guards P.J. Fuller and Cole Bajema. However that trio mixed for simply 22 factors per sport final season and might want to tackle larger scoring rolls because the Huskies attempt to fill the void left by the departure of Terrell Brown Jr., who led the Pac-12 averaging 21.7 factors final season.

A few of that scoring might fall to Kentucky switch Keion Brooks. The 6-foot-7 ahead scored a career-best 10.8 factors per sport final season for the Wildcats. The Huskies are additionally relying on contributions from Noah Williams, who transferred from rival Washington State.

PORTAL POWER

The switch portal appears to have grow to be Washington’s main recruiting avenue for the previous couple of seasons. Final season the Huskies acquired Brown, Daejon Davis, Emmitt Matthews Jr. and Fuller. Brown, Davis and Matthews are gone, however Washington replenished.

Brooks was the most important acquisition. He began all 33 video games final season for the Wildcats and averaged double-figure scoring for the second straight season.

Williams was a shock in making the soar from Pullman to Seattle. Williams averaged 14.1 factors two seasons in the past with the Cougars, however shot simply 33% from the sphere final 12 months and noticed his scoring and minutes lower.

Washington did add a trio of freshmen recruits in level guard Koren Johnson, ahead Tyler Linhardt and shifty guard Keyon Menifield.

SIZE INSIDE

One factor Washington has to handle is measurement and depth on the within. The Huskies introduced again athletic 6-foot-9 ahead Langston Wilson but in addition added 6-foot-11 Franck Kepnang from Oregon and 7-footer Braxton Meah from Fresno State. One other key would be the growth of 6-10 ahead Jackson Grant, who performed restricted minutes final season as a freshman.

That additional measurement within the center ought to assist each in rebounding and on the defensive finish.

“Now we have measurement and athleticism,” Hopkins stated. “We had plenty of video games final 12 months we needed to play actually small.”

THE RETURNERS

Bey is Washington’s most skilled participant, starting the season with 119 profession video games performed. Whereas he’s a strong defensive participant, Washington wants higher taking pictures from Bey, who shot 34% from the sphere and 31% on 3s final season.

Fuller is more likely to be the Huskies’ place to begin guard and noticed his function enhance as final season progressed, whereas Bajema is a streaky shooter.

SCHEDULE

Washington’s nonconference schedule is reasonably underwhelming. The Huskies will play within the Picket Legacy in November with the possibility of a matchup in opposition to Saint Mary’s or Vanderbilt within the closing. The 2 marquee nonconference matchups are available December with a sport at No. 2 Gonzaga and at residence in opposition to No. 15 Auburn.

In convention play, the Huskies play seven of their first seven Pac-12 video games at residence and face the Oregon faculties solely as soon as.

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