Washington Huskies Basketball: 2012-2013 Shawn Kemp Jr. Evaluation

Feb 4, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies forward Shawn Kemp Jr. (40) dunks the ball during the 1st half against the USC Trojans at Alaska Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Statistics: 18.8 minutes, 6.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 0.6 blocks per game

What He Did In 2012-2013: Increasing his minutes by more than 12 per game from 2011-2012, Shawn Kemp Jr. has a real argument for Most Improved Player on the Huskies last season. Aziz N’Diaye is the other player in the running and that made for a much-improved frontcourt despite the loss of Darnell Gant.

Kemp Jr. stepped into a much bigger role last season and did so admirably. N’Diaye was always the most targeted player in the post, but Kemp Jr. waited his turn and took advantage of it when it came.

Amidst his success was quite a bit of inconsistency. After missing the first seven games due to a knee injury, he averaged just 4.7 points in the next seven before Romar had had enough. He averaged just 8.6 minutes per game for the next five, but broke out against Oregon State to force Romar’s hand. He couldn’t keep Kemp on the bench after putting up 12 and six in 21 minutes. Soon after that, Kemp Jr. found himself in the starting lineup and didn’t play less than 15 minutes in a game for the rest of the season.

After scoring in double figures for the first time against Oregon State, he would do so five more times the rest of the season. His best game came against Arizona State when he scored 18 and collected six rebounds. Jordan Bachynski was matched up against N’Diaye and the perimeter-focused Jon Gilling couldn’t handle Kemp Jr. down low.

In addition to the six double-figure scoring games, he collected a career-high nine rebounds against the formidable frontcourt of Arizona. Kemp Jr. improved enough last season to expect him to do it again for 2013-2014.

What To Expect From Him In 2013-2014: After an impressive sophomore season, Kemp Jr. probably won’t see a big increase in minutes due to the talent coming in. In addition to Perris Blackwell, UW is expected to add Mike Moser from UNLV. They join Kemp Jr., Jernard Jarreau and Desmond Simmons in a crowded frontcourt that will battle all season for playing time.

After a freshman season averaging 1.6 points and less than a rebound per game, he was never expected to battle for a starting job, but he earned one midway through last season and will be in the race for one next season. He isn’t his dad, but he can perform on a DI level.