Washington Men’s Basketball Preview Part 3: Bigs

If you happen to missed the primary two elements of our player-by-player previews yow will discover half one on the guards right here and half two protecting the wings right here. Now we end off with the bigs. And in tribute to them it’s solely proper that we end with a thunderous dunk of 3000+ phrases.

C 6’11 Franck Kepnang (third yr)- Switch from Oregon

2021-22 Stats (per recreation): 4.7 pts, 3.1 reb, 0.1 ast, 1.2 blk, 57.5% FG, 65.1% FT

Background

Washington was one of many first provides for Kepnang popping out of the Northeast simply after his freshman yr of highschool. Over the subsequent 2 years they flooded in from throughout together with Syracuse, UCLA, Kansas, Auburn, and Oregon commensurate along with his top-40 nationwide rating. Regardless of the Geese being one of many final ones to affix the hunt, they have been capable of safe his dedication and get him to reclassify and enroll in time for convention play and 10 days earlier than starter N’Faly Dante tore his ACL.

As a freshman he noticed restricted time as a backup however shot 68% from the ground, dominating across the rim when he did get the ball. He additionally posted an exceptional block fee that may’ve led the league with a bigger pattern measurement. As a sophomore Kepnang backed up a recovered Dante and noticed his fee stats decline however his absolute numbers go up with extra taking part in time. With Dante and Nate Bittle sticking round plus a projected lottery choose heart coming into the fray Kepnang determined to switch and headed up I-5 to Seattle.

Enjoying Model

It’s typically fairly simple to do that part with facilities. Kepnang has 0 three-point makes an attempt in his profession and that’s not prone to change at Washington. He’s way more of a standard heart who’s going to do nearly all of his injury on the rim. Kepnang is able to hitting a midrange jumper as he was 29/59 (49.1%) throughout his time at Oregon away from the basket and final yr noticed nearly half of his makes an attempt stray away from the rim which lowered his total discipline purpose share.

Whereas we might even see the occasional 12-foot leap shot out of Kepnang you possibly can nonetheless count on he’s going to be targeted on the rim as practically half of his makes an attempt on the basket have been dunks. Put that each one collectively and Kepnang shot 72.3% on the rim per Synergy Sports activities. That will be an enormous improve over Nate Roberts who made simply 56% of level clean photographs for Washington final yr.

Whereas Kepnang is efficient down low he isn’t an ideal post-up risk a la Isaiah Stewart and is nearer to Roberts in that regard. Franck averaged 0.828 factors per possession on post-ups final yr which was nearly precisely common throughout school basketball. His effectivity skyrockets if capable of catch the ball able the place he doesn’t should take a dribble earlier than getting the ball to the rim.

The power to dunk the ball is good however Kepnang was primarily introduced in for his shot blocking abilities. He completed simply in need of qualifying for the KenPom leaderboard however with about 20 extra complete minutes performed Kepnang would’ve been third within the Pac-12 in block fee behind solely Christan Koloko and Efe Abogidi. That 9.0% mark was practically triple that of Nate Roberts (3.08%) and the final Husky to eclipse 9.0% was Malik Dime again in 2016. If Kepnang finally ends up taking part in the vast majority of the minutes at heart then he’ll nearly definitely common 2+ blocks per recreation.

As is commonly the case for shot blockers the difficulty goes to be staying on the courtroom as a result of foul bother. Kepnang averaged 6.7 fouls per 40 minutes final yr which equates to fouling out of a recreation each half-hour of taking part in time. That quantity must enhance and hopefully taking part in in a zone scheme will restrict instances he will get caught guarding a choose and roll and has to achieve in to get well.

There are additionally questions on Kepnang’s rebounding means. His defensive rebounding fee final yr completed beneath every of Nate Roberts, Langston Wilson, and Jackson Grant. For somebody with Kepnang’s measurement he actually ought to be capable to safe extra rebounds than he does. For a Husky protection that all the time struggles with rebounding and did final yr regardless of Nate Roberts being wonderful, this has the potential of a significant concern.

Expectations for 2022-23

Right here’s a enjoyable blind resume check.

Participant A: 43% of minutes, 52.6% FG, 62.5% FT, 15.1% OR fee, 17.1% DR fee, 8.8% Blk fee, 6.2 fouls per 40

Participant B: 36% of minutes, 57.5% FG, 65.1% FT, 8.6% OR fee, 15.2% DR fee, 9.0% Blk fee, 6.7 fouls per 40

If you happen to have been paying consideration you in all probability acknowledge that Participant B is Kepnang at Oregon final yr. Participant A was Christian Koloko’s sophomore yr at Arizona proper earlier than he changed into the thirty third choose within the draft. Now I’m not saying that Kepnang goes to morph into an NBA draft choose impulsively nevertheless it’s not unreasonable to suppose he might take a step ahead in a significant manner with a brand new coach and a brand new position.

The on/off metrics for Kepnang at Oregon have been the worst for any of their 8 main rotation gamers however N’Faly Dante’s have been one of the best. Was that as a result of Dante was wonderful in his minutes or as a result of Kepnang struggled in his (or each)? I’m projecting enchancment in quite a lot of areas for Franck the Tank and suppose he might be a internet improve over the Nate Roberts that UW bought for many of his time. I’m going to cease in need of saying although that Kepnang vaults into being one of many high couple facilities within the convention though it’s attainable. He nonetheless has a really reasonable shot to make the all-defensive group along with his rim safety abilities.

2022-23 Projected Stats: 7.0 pts, 5.2 reb, 0.1 ast, 2.1 blk, 58.7% FG, 57.1% FT

***

C 7’1 Braxton Meah (third yr)- Switch from Fresno State

2021-22 Stats (per recreation): 2.2 pts, 2.2 reb, 0.1 ast, 0.4 blk, 78.4% FG, 44.8% FT

Background

Washington determined to double dip this offseason on sophomore facilities that have been backups for star-caliber gamers . Meah was a 3-star recruit popping out of highschool at San Joaquin Memorial (Q-Pon’s alma mater) that reported having 5 energy convention provides, together with Washington, however ended up at native Fresno State.

Meah stepped in immediately because the backup heart for star Orlando Robinson and did what you typically count on a 7’1 freshman to do: get offensive rebounds, block photographs, dunk, and commit fouls. 12 months two didn’t see a lot of a distinction and he truly performed rather less with Robinson ending tenth in Kenpom’s nationwide participant of the yr standings (19.4 pts, 8.4 reb, 2.9 ast, 1.2 blk). Regardless of Robinson shifting on and the beginning heart job seemingly opening up, Meah determined to enter the switch portal and ended up at Washington.

Enjoying Model

Similar to Kepnang, we shouldn’t expect Meah to stretch the ground in any manner besides vertically. At the least Kepnang confirmed off a brief jumper and the power to make a hook shot from simply outdoors the circle. Meah is a dunker at first. Over 60% of his shot makes an attempt have been dunks and he made all 23 of them final yr per BartTorvik.

Dunks could also be Meah’s specialty however in an effort to truly shoot the ball he first has to have management of it dealing with the basket. Sadly dumping the ball off to Meah and asking him to post-up his man isn’t one of the simplest ways to have him in that place. On 16 post-up makes an attempt final yr Meah turned it over simply as typically as he truly made a basket though a number of and-1’s helped his total effectivity. That 0.727 factors per possession mark per Synergy is worse than Kepnang though it was nonetheless higher than Nate Roberts final yr.

If as an alternative Meah bought the ball chopping to the basket, rolling within the choose and roll, or on an offensive putback then he shot 24/27 (89%) and averaged practically 1.4 factors per possession. These numbers are remarkably just like what Riley Sorn did with the Huskies when he was within the recreation and you may count on an analogous offensive affect from Meah even when he’s a number of inches shorter (the distinction between 99th percentile top and one hundredth percentile). Simply solely cross the ball to Meah when he can catch the ball along with his momentum going in direction of the basket without having to dribble and issues might be nice. In all different conditions count on a turnover.

The offensive rebounding numbers for Meah are stable however barely underwhelming for a participant of his measurement. They’re as soon as once more just like the totals for Riley Sorn though Meah’s pattern measurement is bigger. The opposite clear weak point on offense for Meah is his free throw taking pictures which is horrendous. He’s a profession 47% shooter from the road which interprets to a discipline purpose share nearly 25% over his free throw share. You completely can’t have Meah on the ground in an in depth recreation down the stretch or the opposite group will simply go to a hack-a-Meah technique and certain discover success.

Whereas I used the Riley Sorn comp for Meah a number of instances above on offense I feel he’s a greater participant on protection. Fresno State nearly by no means performed zone so we’ll see how Meah makes that adjustment however he’s definitely extra fluid than Sorn was. The block fee of 6.7% final season was double that of Nate Roberts however nonetheless a bit underwhelming for a 7’1 heart. Nonetheless, there’s no query that the duo of Kepnang and Meah down low will give UW its finest shot blocking lineup for the reason that Isaiah Stewart season.

There’s nonetheless lots of unknowns in relation to Meah’s defensive rebounding. His charges the final two years have been 14.5% and 25.0% which is a big hole. If he can constantly cut up the distinction and be within the ~20% vary it might assist shore up the rebounding from that spot.

Expectations for 2022-23

As soon as once more I count on Meah to be the backup heart and solely see the courtroom when the starter leaves the sport. Nevertheless as a lot as Kepnang has substantial upside I don’t suppose he’s going to come back near being what Orlando Robinson was at Fresno. Meaning taking part in time needs to be a bit simpler to seek out relying on how a lot Mike Hopkins needs to make use of the subsequent two gamers on this breakdown on the heart spot. When Meah isn’t turning the ball over he’s going to be a fan favourite dunking the ball and is a superbly enough backup heart however missing the ability to be way more than that.

2022-23 Projected Stats: 2.4 pts, 2.4 reb, 0.1 ast, 0.7 blk, 60.4% FG, 51.5% FT

***

PF/C 6’9 Langston Wilson (third yr)

2021-22 Stats (per recreation): 2.6 pts, 2.6 reb, 0.1 ast, 0.4 blk, 41.7% FG, 37.5% 3pt, 59.3% FT

Background

Wilson has one of many extra fascinating backgrounds of any Husky participant. He was identified with a genetic coronary heart dysfunction in highschool and forbidden from taking part in organized sports activities regardless of having ardour for basketball (his dad performed in school at Villanova). He finally acquired a clear invoice of well being after his situation hadn’t gotten any worse as soon as totally grown and performed at Georgia Highlands Neighborhood School. His ridiculous athleticism bought him on main school radars and he dedicated to Alabama as one of many high JUCO prospects within the nation. Nevertheless the Tide ran out of spots and Wilson decommitted then finally joined the Huskies.

In his first yr in Seattle Wilson turned a fan favourite along with his mixture of athleticism and hustle. That bought him into bother at instances as seemingly each recreation within the non-conference he fell exhausting to the ground which stored him banged up. He noticed extra taking part in time throughout a 6-game stretch in Pac-12 play the place he averaged 4.5 factors and three rebounds per recreation on 53%/66%/58% taking pictures splits.

Enjoying Model

Wilson has a jaw-dropping vertical leap however regardless of his acrobatics within the warm-up line he’s undoubtedly greater than only a dunker on offense. It was definitely an upset victory however Wilson led final yr’s group in 3-pt share at 37.5% though it was on solely 16 complete makes an attempt. Given Wilson’s top it’s going to be a giant factor for flooring spacing if he can hold anyplace near that 35% mark. It’s what Washington all the time wished from Hameir Wright however might by no means fairly get aside from one scorching stretch throughout convention play in a single season.

The massive concern for Wilson’s offense is what occurs if he can’t get all the way in which to the rim for a dunk and doesn’t take a catch and shoot 3-pointer. He completed simply 2/17 (12%) from the ground when taking a 2-pointer that wasn’t on the rim and within the ninth percentile on layup makes an attempt. Wilson’s arms are so lengthy that he can get off a finger roll which may get blocked by another person however he doesn’t have the contact but to really get these within the basket. Determining make it that further step nearer when in visitors might be a key to unleashing Wilson’s recreation.

The rebounding has been a plus for Wilson on each ends however particularly on the offensive glass. Wilson didn’t play sufficient minutes to qualify on the leaderboard however had he completed so Wilson would’ve tied for 4th within the Pac-12 in offensive rebounding fee. Given his leaping means, lots of these rebounds flip in to place again dunks. In fact offensive rebounding alternatives go down the extra you play on the perimeter.

Given Wilson’s bounciness it isn’t a shock that he was an above common shot blocker. His 4.2% block fee completed larger than anybody that performed extra minutes. Similar to the remainder of the bigs above although the true downside was fouling. Wilson dedicated a team-high 7.7 fouls per 40 minutes. That included fouling out in simply 4 minutes of play at Oregon. It’s primarily unimaginable to get common taking part in time whenever you’re fouling that continuously and it’s the primary factor Wilson wants to scrub up if he needs an expanded position.

The excellent news in his favor is that Wilson gives versatility. Kepnang and Meah are true facilities however Wilson has the taking pictures to have the ability to play within the energy ahead spot. It wouldn’t shock me if we often noticed huge lineups with Brooks, Wilson, and one among Kepnang or Meah because the forwards and heart which gives a ton of size and affordable flooring spacing.

Expectations for 2022-23

I actually wished to challenge a significant breakout season for Langston Wilson. When Emmitt Matthews Jr. entered the switch portal it appeared like Wilson can be the largest beneficiary. The addition of Keion Brooks although seemingly took a giant chunk of these minutes and so Wilson and Grant are seemingly combating for about 5 minutes at heart and 20 minutes at energy ahead until Meah doesn’t dwell as much as expectations because the backup heart.

Due to that I’m projecting Wilson’s effectivity to extend however the mixture of depth on the 4/5 spots and foul bother will restrict his minutes and his counting stats. If you happen to advised me although that Wilson was taking part in 20 minutes per recreation at season’s finish both as a result of damage or a down season from another person it wouldn’t shock me.

2022-23 Projected Stats: 3.2 pts, 2.6 reb, 0.1 ast, 0.5 blk, 43.8% FG, 36.0% 3pt, 66.7% FT

***

PF/C 6’10 Jackson Grant (2nd 12 months)

2021-22 Stats (per recreation): 1.1 pts, 1.5 reb, 0.1 ast, 0.3 blk, 37.5% FG, 0.0% 3pt, 56.3% FT

Background

Grant was a consensus 4-star recruit popping out of Olympia HS and offered a critical carry to recruiting throughout the darkest days (we hope) of Hopkins’ tenure. The potential skillset was intriguing as Grant was marketed as a stretch 5 who might probably each defend the rim and step outdoors to shoot 3’s at a excessive clip. Grant acquired a shocking nod on the McDonald’s All-American group however the recreation wasn’t performed as a result of pandemic.

Final season it turned clear from the get go that Grant wasn’t going to be a plug and play choice. The sport seemed a bit too quick for him and you may see the stress attending to him on his outdoors shot. Defenses left him 100% extensive open on the perimeter and he appeared to psyche himself out earlier than every try and finally missed all of them.

A Covid outbreak in December price the group a number of video games however Hopkins later mentioned that Grant particularly had a tough time and misplaced a major quantity of weight. That contributed to him falling out of the rotation as he performed simply 42 minutes in UW’s remaining 18 video games.

Expectations for 2022-23

There’s nonetheless the potential that Grant has a breakout season this yr. This group is badly in want of taking pictures and if Grant might truly display that ability throughout video games then there’s room for some taking part in time on the 4/5 spot. I simply have a tough time believing after what we noticed from every final yr that Grant goes to overhaul Langston Wilson and so they seem to have very related potential skillsets as stretch bigs. In the long run I feel just one sees substantial time by the point we get to convention play and my cash is on Wilson proper now.

2022-23 Projected Stats: 1.2 pts, 1.5 reb, 0.1 ast, 0.3 blk, 44.4% FG, 28.6% 3pt, 68.8% FT