Washington Basketball: Breaking down 2023-24 non-conference schedule

Other Contests

Despite a couple of neutral site contests, Washington doesn’t have many unique contests this coming year. They have one MTE they’re competing in, though.

November 17/19: Continental Tire Main Event (in Las Vegas, NV)

While Washington’s opponent for the tournament’s second game will depend on its result in the first, we know who the Huskies will start with in Las Vegas.

The Huskies will open the event, their first appearance in the tournament, against Xavier on November 17. With Sean Miller back in the saddle, the Musketeers resembled their glory days last year, making it to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament. They’ll have that potential again in 2023-24, with Zach Freemantle back after being sidelined by a foot injury towards the end of the year, and former Western Kentucky scoring maestro Dayvion McKnight in the fold.

Two days later, Washington will either be licking its wounds or going for a tournament championship. The possible opponents are two mid-major forces: Saint Mary’s and San Diego State.

With a weakened Gonzaga, Saint Mary’s is going to be motivated all season to overcome their WCC rival. Aidan Mahaney showed the makings of a star as a freshman and big man Mitchell Saxen should be one of the best players in the conference.

The San Diego State Aztecs are scarier, less than a season removed from being a finalist for the NCAA championship. Still smarting from the title game loss, the Aztecs are reloaded again this season. Matt Bradley and Nathan Mensah are gone, but Lamont Butler, Darrion Trammell, and Jaedon LeDee all return.

As Mike Hopkins enters a critical year, the Washington Huskies will need to nail their opportunities in non-conference play.