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It’s official. Washington Basketball Coach Hopkins Coach of the Year

By Bret Stuter

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) /
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Acknowledging one of the most dramatic turnarounds of NCAA Men’s Basketball programs, the Pac-12 bestowed Coach of the Year honors upon Washington Basketball Coach Mike Hopkins

It don’t come easy. You know, it don’t come easy.  Coach Mike Hopkins is a sure fire case study on peseverance.  Fighting through player defections, new coaching hires, persuading players to give his program a chance, and recruiting for the Washington Basketball team left little time to eat, drink, or sleep.  Not to mention the reason signed on in the first place – coaching up the players on the team.

After all, that was the real reason why Washington Athletic Director Jen Cohen determined to part ways with beloved and gentlemanly Lorenzo Romar. It was the hope that new coaching staff could help players recognize their full potential.  And that decision has not been warmly embraced by some even to this day.

Stop spiraling down

It was not a move aiming at instant and drastic improvements. In fact, forces drove the change at the head coaching position for the Washington Basketball team. Not a “win now” but more intent at stopping the spiral down.  Infuse some coaching expertise to refocus a team which, in spite of talented recruits, failed to show up on game day.

In fact, despite a team which boasted the play of the number one pick in the nation in Markelle Fultz, the Washington Basketball team stumbled through a 9-22 season. And in the end, a coaching change from Lorenzo Romar to Mike Hopkins was decided. Hopkins, a long-time assistant coach from Syracuse University, finally landed a team of his own.  And with it, he faced a mountain of work with little time remaining.

Tougher Together

The results of high energy optimism have been impressive so far with Coach Hopkins. Not only did he retain players, hire a significantly qualified coaching staff, recruit new players, but he managed to coach the team to a significant improvement. Or better yet, he succeeded in building a team from individual players. The results of one season have been incredible. That former 9-22 team now sits at 20-11, an 11 win improvement in a 31 game season.

A rookie coach in a highly competitive Pac-12 men’s basketball conference just won top honors.

Hopkins philosophy good for program future

In the end, it’s not about right or wrong, who can or can’t. It’s about fit and effectiveness. Coach Hopkins delivered a winning basketball team to a fanbase who urgently wanted a team to cheer for. And it’s just the beginning.  At a time when the NCAA men’s basketball sport is shaken by FBI investigations uncovering evidence of widespread backroom paydays, its an uplifting and effective counter story. Some now ask how can the NCAA prevent money from infiltrating the NCAA basketball future.

Next: Matisse Thybulle first Washington player to win Pac-12 DPOTY award

Simply stated, Coach Hopkins holds the key. Work harder, laugh longer, focus more intently, and finally celebrate every victory. Just try it and you’ll see. In the end, it comes down to the Coach Hopkins philosophy.  He is forging a team of young athletes who can depend on one another.  After all, there are some things more valuable than money. Integrity. Friends. Family. And right now, Coach Hopkins is building value at Washington.

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