2018 Washington Basketball recruiting class fills team needs

Nate Roberts

Next up is the big guy, 6-foot-11.5 center Nate Roberts.  Unlike the rotation of Sam Timmins or Noah Dickerson, Roberts can play alongside Dickerson. In fact, his defense paired with Dickerson’s offense looks to make next season far more exciting for Washington. And that’s not all. The Washington Basketball roster, unlike virtually any other team’s roster, has only one player at 6-foot-10 or taller. That creates nightmares for Coach Hopkins when he is setting up his lineups, particularly if Timmins is in foul trouble. But Nate Roberts brings more to the team than simply a new set of fouls in the paint. He’s a force to be reckoned with.

As you can see in the video, Roberts uses that incredible body and arm length to get great angles on layups. Unlike the bump and grind of Timmins or Dickerson, Roberts has more finesse, and that will be welcomed indeed to the Huskies.

But it’s more than simple choreography. Roberts is a vital piece to the Huskies team which needs to get bigger right away. Giving him primary rim defense duties allows Dickerson the opportunity to flow out to his natural power forward role, take more perimeter shots, and benefit the team right away. And his presence will help the team’s offense, as he becomes a huge target down low in the post.  Two needs filled, one to go.  And is it okay to admit that I am truly excited about the arrival of Jamal Bey? Well, I truly am.