Washington Basketball F Noah Dickerson earns NCAA distinction

After showcase performances against nationally-ranked Arizona State and Arizona, Washington Basketball forward Noah Dickerson earns NCAA Player of the Week distinction

The Washington Basketball team entered this season with some concerns in the front court. While there was never a doubt of who would play, the depth of big men cast a shadow of doubt upon the hopes of Huskies fans. After all, the Pac-12 is extremely competitive, and some of the nation’s best play here.  But head coach Mike Hopkins placed all his faith in Sam Timmins and Noah Dickerson.

This past week, 6-foot-8 forward Noah Dickerson showed up bigger than his height. He dominated in games few gave him a chance of performing well. In fact, as he turned 21, he gave himself one of the best presents anyone could ask for. Success, and lots of it.

NCAA Player of the Week

And better yet, he attracted the attention of the NCAA awards committee, who bestowed the distinction of NCAA Player of the Week upon his performance. And wow, he absolutely deserved it!

The 23 points and 11.5 rebounds average is sensational enough. But when you realize

Until now, few knew about Noah Dickerson. One of the NCAA Men’s Basketball’s best kept secrets wears number 15 for the Washington Huskies. But that all changed when Dickerson outscored Arizona’s 7-foot-1 Deandre Ayton, and outrebounded Arizona State’s 6-foot-8 freshman sensation Romello White.

Pac-12 Championship, NCAA Tourney in play?

Okay, what does this all mean? Well it means that thanks to the surprising performance of Dickerson, the Washington Huskies are getting noticed.  This week’s AP Poll have the Washington Huskies at 27, while the USA Today poll has the Huskies tied at 32. Many projected the Huskiesto finish last in the Pac-12.  Now at number three, they’ve endured a  long climb so far. And with the NCAA tournament opent to the top 64 teams in the nation, Washington certainly has earned the right to be among the teams in that discussion.

Next: Washington Basketball Team stuns Arizona Wildcats 78-75

Even more surprising is the fact that the Washington Basketball team is situated at third in the Pac-12 right now, and have recorded wins against both teams ranked higher: Arizona and USC.  The Huskies play eight remaining Pac-12 contests: Oregon (15-5, 5-5) twice, Oregon State (11-11, 3-7) twice, Utah (13-9, 5-6), California (8-16, 2-9), Colorado (13-10, 5-6), and Stanford (13-11, 7-4).   So at third place in the Pac-12 Conference, there is a good chance for this team to finish strong heading into the Conference Championship.

Next: Washington Basketball Team stuns Arizona Wildcats 78-75

Pac-12 Champs, NCAA Tourney invites? At one time, that all seemed impossible this season. But if the Philadelphia Eagles can defeat the New England Patriots behind backup quarterback Nick Foles, anything is possible.