Pac-12 Basketball: Way-Too-Early Pac-12 Power Rankings
By Connor Hope
10) Washington Huskies
2016-2017 Record: 9-22 (2-16, 11th Pac-12)
Head Coach: Mike Hopkins, 1st Season
Top Departures: Markelle Fultz, Malik Dime
Returning Players: David Crisp, Matisse Thybulle, Noah Dickerson, Dominic Green, Carlos Johnson, Sam Timmins
Key Additions: Jaylen Nowell, Hameir Wright, Nahziah Carter
Analysis:
It may be surprising that Washington, who finished 11th last season before losing Markelle Fultz, is not at the bottom of this list. This is due to the talent they return, and a new head coach that has spent years learning from one of the best in the country.
Despite losing Fultz, the Huskies return a solid core, featuring David Crisp, Matisse Thybulle, and Noah Dickerson. All three of these players were solid scorers on a team whose above average offense was negated by it’s terrible defense.
Another big win for the Huskies was that, despite Lorenzo Romar leaving, they were still able to keep the commitments of some of their top recruits. Freshman Jaylen Nowell reaffirmed his commitment shortly after Romar’s departure, becoming Washington’s best recruit.
Ultimately, Washington’s slight rise can be attributed to the arrival of coach Mike Hopkins. There is no doubt that the talent on the team can score, and Hopkins experience at Syracuse should help him improve their atrocious defense.