Coach Romar integral part of Washington’s upset of Kansas

The conflict over who is better for the Washington Basketball team: Coach Romar or Coach Hopkins, is a moot point. Both coaches played a significant role in Washington’s upset of Kansas

Blame game, conflict, trolling, snarling of teeth and “I told you so” events are a part of fandom from every team. We cheer for the team. Then we select coaches or players with whom we identify and cheer them. Unfortunately, when a team makes a coaching change, some fans cheer, some fans boo.  Such is the case when the Washington Basketball team transitioned from Lorenzo Romar to Mike Hopkins Some fans held onto their admiration of former Coach Romar. Others embraced the welcome addition of Coach Hopkins

But much like the beloved children of divorcing parents, factions feel torn in their loyalties. Admiration and respect for one must mean disdain and disrespect for the other, right?  Actually no. There is a simple and objective principal that must be made very clear. BOTH COACHES CONTRIBUTED TO THIS TEAM.

Biggest upset of the year

Both had an integral role in forging this team, these players, into the David who just felled Kansas’ Goliath..

So the Washington Basketball team stepped up in one of the most Herculean examples of NCAA basketball in a shocking defeat of second ranked Kansas.

Mysteriously that event of “who gets the credit” triggered the feud of Washington Basketball fans once more.  And the disagreement surfaced in a somewhat unattractive manner at times.

Whose line is it anyways?

Some tout the victory as an example of Coach Mike Hopkins relevance to the team.  They embraced the coaching change as good news.  In their corner, they cite Coach Hopkin’s passion and basketball instincts.  Both of which showed up in his very strategically designed game plan.  The rule was simple: no uncontested dunks nor three point shots.  That game plan was brilliance incarnate.

Others point to the roster filled with young men attracted to the team by former coach Lorenzo Romar. They cite how receptive this roster is with accepting a new coach’s scheme.  Likewise they point to the raw talent pool on this roster, and how brilliant Coach Romar was at attracting players.  Not just raw talent, but players whose skillsets fit into a roster.  Once there, he served as a living example of class, dignity, integrity, and sportsmanship.  Each player brought to his team was touched  by his leadership and example.

Sum of the parts

Contrary to popular belief, both sides are correct.  The Washington Basketball team is not suddenly void of all the experience and leadership infused by Coach Romar.  Nor is it void of the passion and discipline of Coach Hopkins.  Right now, this team is benefiting from both coaches. And they are benefiting in a huge way.

When Coach Romar was dismissed, he encouraged players to remain with the program.  Each player matured under his watch. They arrived as nervous adolescents from wide ranging high school basketball programs.  It was the joint “We are staying!” announcements from David Crisp and Carlos Johnson where I began to understand the depth of Coach Romar’s influence.

But it was the decision of Noah Dickerson to remain with the program which truly punctuated the transition. From that moment on, the team roster was okay.  The core compiled by Coach Romar was intact.  And that set the stage for….

Coach Hopkins adding his touch to the team

Some prospects and players didn’t heed Coach Romar’s advice to stick it out. Some fled for good reasons, others fled because it was a thing to do.  But those players may be no better off in their new respective teams then had they chosen to stay.

But their exodus allowed Coach Hopkins to add talented players in his own right. And he did so with amazing speed and effectiveness. He added small forward Hameir Wright and Nahziah Carter, as well as shooting guard Michael Carter III.  Seattle favorite point guard Nate Pryor was offered, but was unable to sign with the team. Some reports indicate academic eligibility as the holdup.

So far, the biggest surprise has been Jaylen Nowell. He was recruited by Coach Romar, but maintained his commitment through the coaching transition. Now the freshman leads the team in scoring. He propelled the team to it’s first victory with a 32 point outburst. That helped the team to open the season with two victories, likely the most difficult games of the season for the team in terms of scheme comfort.

Plenty of room to praise all

This is not an either or situation in Washington. It’s more akin to a relay race. Coach Romar had the previous leg to the relay and had taken the team so far. Now it’s Coach Hopkin’s turn to run his leg of the race.

Next: Shocker! Washington Basketball team upsets undefeated Kansas!

In the end, remove either Coach from the Washington Basketball timeline, and the upset never happens. Last night’s win, the biggest upset of the season, happened because both Coach Romar and Coach Hopkins forged the team’s capacity to win a huge game.  What is this team’s upside?  A huge victory last night, but the team has a long arduous season to shoulder.  In the end, last night’s win punctuated the transition succeeded. It’s not a “Coach Romar” versus “Coach Hopkins” fan base.  Last night’s win proved that it needed the influence of both coaches to make it happen.  In the end, there is enough room to praise both coaches in the afterglow.