Washington Huskies Jaylen Nowell Staying With Men’s Basketball team

Jan 5, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange interim head coach Mike Hopkins reacts to a play against the Clemson Tigers during the first half at the Carrier Dome. Clemson won 74-73 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange interim head coach Mike Hopkins reacts to a play against the Clemson Tigers during the first half at the Carrier Dome. Clemson won 74-73 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 5, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange interim head coach Mike Hopkins reacts to a play against the Clemson Tigers during the first half at the Carrier Dome. Clemson won 74-73 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange interim head coach Mike Hopkins reacts to a play against the Clemson Tigers during the first half at the Carrier Dome. Clemson won 74-73 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington Huskies original recruiting class of 2017 Whittled from five to one. But guard Jaylen Nowell is loyal to Huskies soil. In the end, Nowell proves he is the class of the class

When the University of Washington Huskies Mens Basketball program changed head coaches, there was no false bravado in the eyes of the fans.  The program was losing one and done guard Markelle Fultz to the 2017 NBA Draft.  The coaching changes perculated a lot of reactions in players and prospects.  Many opted out of commitments to the Washington Huskies. 2017 Washington Huskies guard Jaylen Nowell did not rush to the exit.

In fact, as Carlos Johnson and David Crisp had done weeks earlier, he reiterated his commitment to the University of Washington program.  In that moment, a sigh of relief was heard throughout the city of Seattle, Washington.

More Than A Commitment

Retaining Nowell is a moral win for new head coach Mike Hopkins. But for the fans of the University of Washington Huskies Men’s Basketball Team? This is the moment of the sun rising on a new day. Why so much hype?

Jaylen Nowell is a highly touted talent.  His re-commitment to the Washington Huskies has energized the hopes of the fans, and the overall energy of the team. It’s just a plus, but it’s a big plus.

While he has not changed his status, merely reiterated his commitment, he joins O’Dea’s Michael Carter III and West Seattle’s Nate Pryor.

More from The Husky Haul

Caution: Construction In Progress

That is NOT to say this team does not need some work. There is the obvious shortage of bigs on the roster.  And forward Noah Dickerson continues to work visits to other basketball programs. He has created quite a buzz in NCAA basketball:

While he continues to visit other programs, the current time frame for Dickerson’s decision could be mid-May 2017.  That means the team should still be in the market for front court players.

Next: Washington Huskies Markelle Fultz Prepares For 2017 NBA Draft Like Underdog

But for now, the backcourt is settled. Jaylen Nowell remains a Husky.  And his versatility and impressive quickness will be a true asset in the hands of Coach Hopkins.  The team may not be as set on paper as other NCAA programs. But the Washington Huskies now have the pieces to begin improving.