Washington basketball has landed another big-time transfer, and this time, a hometown hero is returning
Washington basketball is building a giant, and they’ve just added another huge piece from the transfer portal. It’s always great to steal a player away from a team like USC, but it makes it even better when it’s a super talented, hometown hero like J’Raan Brooks.
Brooks attended local Garfield (Wash.) High School, and was a top 100 overall recruit coming out of high school. He originally committed to USC, where he averaged around 8 minutes a game. He also averaged 2 points, 1.3 rebounds while shooting 44% from the field.
He’s a super exciting player to watch, and he has a ton of upside potential especially on the offensive end of the floor. He’s very smooth in the post and has a good looking jump shot. Brooks also has the potential to excel as a rebounder, if he can put on some weight. Coach Mike Hopkins and his staff will find the best way to use Brooks.
Brooks won’t be eligible to play during the 2019 season because of the NCAA transfer rules, but when he is eligible, the Huskies will have an arsenal of big men at their disposal. That includes the guys already on the roster like Hameir Wright, Bryan Penn-Johnson, Nate Roberts, and maybe even the 7’3 Riley Sorn. And this is before including any recruits the Huskies might be able to nab, like potentially Isaiah Cotrell out of Bishop Gorman (Nev.).
This is a huge addition for the Huskies, who just got a lot bigger and better along the front line. Penn-Johnson and Roberts both have high ceilings, but they aren’t there yet. Wright is an elite defender, but isn’t a huge threat on the offensive end of the floor. Sorn is a question mark, but his size alone brings worlds of potential.
The transfer of Brooks is a big win for Mike Hopkins, who, after the incredibly successful class of 2019, is ready to make a run for a national championship, and Brooks is going to be a key piece for the Husky basketball team in 2020.