The Husky Haul
Fansided

Patience will return UW basketball to prominence

By Cody Tyo

SYRACUSE, NY - DECEMBER 30: Acting head coach Mike Hopkins of the Syracuse Orange reacts to a play against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the first half at the Petersen Events Center on December 30, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh won 72-61. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images)
SYRACUSE, NY - DECEMBER 30: Acting head coach Mike Hopkins of the Syracuse Orange reacts to a play against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the first half at the Petersen Events Center on December 30, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh won 72-61. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images) /
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Patience with Romar

Similarly, the Washington basketball team struggled with declining results. As such, fans expected the front office to hold the program to the same standard of excellence. It’s no secret that Seattle is a basketball city without a professional basketball team. The Huskies are the only show in town and should be situated to claim the extensive amount of basketball talent in the city of Seattle.

Lorenzo Romar was a player’s coach. He was loved by fans and students because of his demeanor and his passion for the university. He was dedicated to creating a great basketball atmosphere at Washington and successfully established the UW as an NBA talent factory in his xx seasons as head coach.

Pedigree or accomplishments?

But atmosphere and pro talent aren’t in the DNA of Washington athletics. Winning is.

Romar was able to amass some of the most talented players in the Pac-12 on his rosters.  Still, that talent failed to translate, as the teams success dwindled each year.  Eventually, the team struggled to win more than 15 games with those rosters. On one hand his defensive game plans, in whatever form they were drawn up,  were typically shredded.  On the other hand, the offense depended on isolation drives and jumpers. As Arizona, Oregon, and UCLA matured into consistent tournament presences, Washington filtered into the bottom fourth of the conference. The patience for Romar finally ran dry after a nine win season.

 

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