Washington Huskies Basketball: 2012-2013 Jernard Jarreau Evaluation

Oct 24, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies forward Jernard Jarreau (33) dunks the ball against the Western Washington Vikings during the game at Alaska Airlines Arena. Washington defeated Western Washington 88-78. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Statistics: 12.7 minutes, 3.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, 0.4 blocks per game

What He Did In 2013-2014: Coming into the season, all we really knew about Jernard Jarreau was that he probably needed to add about 25 pounds of muscle. He didn’t do that, but he showed a lot of potential in the body he is in now.

Jarreau had a very up-and-down season, starting it off by playing at least 17 minutes in each of the first seven games. He wouldn’t play more than 14 in the next 10, including one game in which he didn’t play at all. After scoring six points and grabbing six rebounds in 18 minutes against Utah, he went back to the end of the rotation for six games. His eight-point, seven-rebound performance against Oregon State earned him a bigger role for the next six games. Included in that stretch was his best game as a Husky: a 12-point performance against USC that included two blocks to his credit as well.

At the beginning of the season, I would have been hard-pressed to argue that the Huskies were a better team with him on the court, but as he progressed, he became an integral part of the team. Rather than being a lanky big man, he developed into a 6’11” forward who can dribble and shoot to an extent.

From what he showed throughout his freshman, I expect him to continue his development and eventually play a big role for the Huskies.

What To Expect From Him In 2013-2014: With the probable addition of Mike Moser, joining Perris Blackwell, Shawn Kemp Jr., Desmond Simmons and Gilles Dierickx, it is going to be a battle for playing time in the front court. This is where I think Jarreau can single himself out. Nobody else has a style similar to his and if he can improve over the offseason, he can beat out anybody there for a large role on the ‘13-14 squad.

Moser and Blackwell are the favorites to start, but don’t be surprised if Jarreau sneaks in there. Even if he doesn’t, he’ll only be a sophomore and will have another two years to develop.