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Coach Mike Hopkins Sends Washington Huskies MBB To Boxing Ring

By Bret Stuter

Jul 19, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; USA forward Draymond Green (14) moves with the ball while player development coach Mike Hopkins defends during a practice at Mendenhall Center. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 19, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; USA forward Draymond Green (14) moves with the ball while player development coach Mike Hopkins defends during a practice at Mendenhall Center. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Huskies Men’s Basketball Team Head Coach Mike Hopkins Restoring Fight To Team Via Boxing Ring

The Washington Huskies Men’s Basketball Team appeared to have lost the fighting spirit through the course of the 2016-2017 NCAA college basketball season.  In fact, despite the impassioned play of some individuals, the team ended the season in a nightmarish 13 game losing streak.

And the best player, Markelle Fultz, did not suit up for six of the last eight games.

And so, from the moment he arrived, new head coach Mike Hopkins has been fighting an uphill battle. Even while he unpacked, he assembled a strong assistant coaching staff amidst a very competitive field of colleges. Meanwhile, he had to immediately fast talk his way into the trust of Washington Huskies players and prospects. Some didn’t buy in, and now run the risk of NCAA basketball careers second guessing themselves.

A Good Core Remains

On one hand, the team’s best talents remain. Noah Dickerson, David Crisp, Matisse Thybulle, and Carlos Johnson reiterated commitments to the University of Washington.  On the other hand, wing Jaylen Nowell, point guard Nate Pryor, and  guard Michael Carter III will join them.

Around this group, there is the potential to generate plenty of points on the basketball court.  In fact, as the season progressed, the scoring seemed to come in from rather unexpected places. Now those late season surges in scoring become the norm for the Washington Huskies.

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Rekindling Fighting Flames

Now, how to restore the competitive edge? Coach Hopkins needs this team to fight hard, train hard, and perfect the footwork which is the backbone to great college basketball defense.

The Boxing Ring!

Yes, that is exactly where this team trained.

The idea is perfectly aimed at three very important areas for this team.  Footwork skills are everything.  Endurance and conditioning are sorely needed in today’s NCAA basketball. And the team is energizing the  fighting spirit.

Melo Boxing

Boxing is a great complimentary cross-training program for basketball players. In fact, NBA star Carmelo Anthony demonstrates the practice. It’s something he does to fan his own competitive flames in the NBA. Imagine the impact on Washington Huskies players.

Boxing has got to be fun for this team. And it’s just one of the innovations in store. Working harder does not mean more drudgery at the gym. It means infusing much more “play” into the training regiment.

Next: Six Washington Huskies Will Join Pros Via 2018 NFL Draft

Coach Hopkins is introducing a wide array of new techniques to his players.  Not all will hit at 100 percent, but that’s okay.  The goal is to vary the approach on the long climb to the top of the PAC-12 basketball competition.  And who knows when fighting skills may be needed along the way?

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