The Husky Haul
Fansided

Previewing UW basketball’s 2017-18 roster

By Cody Tyo

Mike Hopkins Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images
Mike Hopkins Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images /
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NEWARK, NJ – FEBRUARY 16: (L-R) Assistant coaches Adrian Autry and Mike Hopkins of Syracuse Orange stand on the court during warm ups against the Seton Hall Pirates at Prudential Center on February 16, 2013 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Chris Chambers/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ – FEBRUARY 16: (L-R) Assistant coaches Adrian Autry and Mike Hopkins of Syracuse Orange stand on the court during warm ups against the Seton Hall Pirates at Prudential Center on February 16, 2013 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Chris Chambers/Getty Images) /

Hopkins’ Strategy

A common theme among these returners pieces is lengthiness and athleticism. That combination is perfect for a team that will be playing some 2-3 zone on defense.

Hopkins spent 22 years on the coaching staff at Syracuse. Under Jim Boeheim, he helped teach several generations of Syracuse players to play the best 2-3 zone in college basketball, and has confirmed that he intends to carry this to Washington.

Huskies play big this season

Although the Washington roster features just two true bigs in Dickerson and Timmins, the Huskies have an advantage with the lengthiness of their guard/forward hybrids. Players like Thybulle, Nowell, and Wright each have the size to disrupt passing lanes and challenge shots on defense.

A 2-3 zone is also somewhat of a rarity in the Pac-12. Washington could lean on its defense if Hopkins can teach his young roster to play a disciplined zone.

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Coming off a nine-win season, the only way the Huskies can go is up. It will not be an easy rebuilding job for this new UW coaching staff, but UW fans should rest assured that Hopkins is ready to tackle it.

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