Editor’s note: I’m continuing the series of player evaluations that Jesse started before he left for Rome. You can read his evaluation of Andrew Andrews right here. We’ll continue the series with Abdul Gaddy tomorrow.
Dec. 2, 2011; Reno, NV, USA; Nevada Wolf Pack forward Olek Czyz (31) slams the ball through the basket against Washington Huskies forward Martin Breunig during the first half at the Lawlor Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Douglas C. Pizac-USA TODAY Sports
Statistics: 5.8 minutes, 0.1 points, 0.6 rebounds, 0.1 assists per game
What he did in 2012-2013: After coming in as a player with potential to round out the 2011 recruiting class, Breunig rarely saw the floor his freshman season. This continued into his sophomore one, in which he racked up more “DNPs” than he did minutes. When Breunig did see the floor, it was in garbage time and he usually made the situation even worse. Never once did we see the potential of a 6’8” forward with handles and a mid-range game that was advertised. The former Maryland commit came to Washington with semi-high expectations, at least in my mind.
None of his best performances as a Husky came last season, scoring in just one of the games he played in. The highlight of his season was in a 73-55 loss to Colorado State, when he played 16 minutes. Unfortunately, all he was able to do in those 16 minutes was foul once, turn the ball over and get one steal. After that game, he played in just five of the 29 remaining games, comprising of 14 minutes.
What To Expect In 2013-2014: Nothing. Breunig announced that he would be transferring for his last two seasons of eligibility. There hasn’t been any speculation as to where he’ll transfer, probably because there aren’t a lot of programs salivating over a player who averaged less than six minutes per game on a team that won just 18 games. The hope was that Breunig’s scholarship spot would go to one of Aaron Gordon or Zach LaVine, but that didn’t pan out. Instead Romar signed JUCO wing Mike Anderson and is rumored to have convinced Mike Moser to transfer to UW for his senior season. Both players should contribute significantly more than Breunig ever has or would next season.
While Breunig may not be the hottest recruit, a lower Division I school should eventually pick him up. If that’s the case, I look forward to seeing how he pans out on a team that he can get playing time on, while playing against lower competition. He may not be as talented as Elston Turner, but I could see him having a similar impact on a WCC or A-10 team.