Washington Basketball: Reason for Guarded Optimism

March 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Washington Huskies guard David Crisp (1) moves the ball up court against the UCLA Bruins during the first half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
March 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Washington Huskies guard David Crisp (1) moves the ball up court against the UCLA Bruins during the first half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 30, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Syracuse Orange interim head coach Mike Hopkins gestures from the bench against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the first half at the Petersen Events Center. PITT won 72-61. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Syracuse Orange interim head coach Mike Hopkins gestures from the bench against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the first half at the Petersen Events Center. PITT won 72-61. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

6-foot-5 shooting guard Jaylen Nowell

There is a great deal of anticipation on the Washington Basketball Team for the arrival of four-star prospect Jaylen Nowell.  Of the nationally touted recruiting class which once was planning to play for the Washington Basketball team, Nowell is the lone prospect to see his commitment through. His willingness to remain on the team may have turned the tide for the program overall.

While a number of players on the team will improve offensively under Coach Hopkins, most are adding to last years numbers.  Nowell brings that optimism for the team to an entirely new level.

While not noted for a three, Nowell brings plenty of offense. His speed is deceptively quick, and he is a nightmare for defenders. With his slashing drives to the basket, defenders become Nowell-centric in their focus. That opens up the floor to a big man dump pass for the easy alley oop, or to the open three in the corner.

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In summary, a combination of Pryor-Crisp-Nowell-Thybulle-Dickerson will be a tremendous starting five for the team.  As a matter of fact, that line-up gives the team plenty of paint punch and perimeter shooting to make things awfully  interesting for Huskies fans this season.