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Washington Basketball: Jaylen Nowell Wins Second Player Of The Week Award

By Kevin Hart

SPOKANE, WA - DECEMBER 05: Jaylen Nowell #5 of the Washington Huskies puts up a shot against the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the game at McCarthey Athletic Center on December 5, 2018 in Spokane, Washington. Gonzaga defeated Washington 81-79. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images)
SPOKANE, WA - DECEMBER 05: Jaylen Nowell #5 of the Washington Huskies puts up a shot against the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the game at McCarthey Athletic Center on December 5, 2018 in Spokane, Washington. Gonzaga defeated Washington 81-79. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images) /
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After his second Pac-12 Player Of The Week award in a month, can Washington Basketball’s Jaylen Nowell make a push for Pac-12 Player Of The Year?

Washington basketball’s Jaylen Nowell is a special player, and the NCAA basketball community is taking notice. Prior to the season, Nowell was honored by being named to the Jerry West award watch list – an award given every season to honor collegiate basketball’s best shooting guard. But, there’s a lot more to be said for someone who, three weeks ago, he was recognized as the Pac-12 Player of the Week. Today, he received the award once more.

Player Of The Week

In his second week of recognition, Nowell managed to double his rebounds per game (three to six) and nearly double his assists per game at the same time (two and a half to nine) while only sacrificing three points off of his production. What’s more is the Dawgs have played better, smarter, more efficient basketball during his second tenure atop the Pac-12.

While much of the focus is on senior’s Noah Dickerson, David Crisp, Dominic Green and last year’s Pac-12 Defensive Player Of The Year, Matisse Thybulle, it’s evident that Nowell is the key to winning now and later. He currently leads the team in points per game, assists per game, field goal percentage, three-point percentage, and minutes per game.

Looking Forward

Leadership and his decision-making abilities are going to come with time, but the only real area that needs improvement within Nowell’s game on the court is his free throw shooting. As it stands, he has the sixth-worst percentage from the stripe out of his teammates that have played in every game. If he can turn his 71% from the line into 80-85% while maintaining the rest of his incredibly efficient game? He’ll be unstoppable.

Nowell has shown he can hit free throws in clutch moments though, draining two to tie the game with 10 seconds left at Gonzaga.

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