The Husky Haul
Fansided

Taking a look at the 2019-20 Washington basketball team

By Herbert Nightingale

COLUMBUS, OHIO - MARCH 22: Head coach Mike Hopkins of the Washington Huskies reacts as they take on the Utah State Aggies during the second half of the game in the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Nationwide Arena on March 22, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. The Washington Huskies won 78-61. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OHIO - MARCH 22: Head coach Mike Hopkins of the Washington Huskies reacts as they take on the Utah State Aggies during the second half of the game in the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Nationwide Arena on March 22, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. The Washington Huskies won 78-61. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Washington basketball is going to look a little different in 2019 after losing four starters to graduation and the NBA

Washington basketball has a talented; however, inexperienced team going into the 2019 season. Besides Hameir Wright, the only returning starter from 2018, the Dawgs have fellow junior Nahziah Carter, who is expected to start at shooting guard, as the only other returner to the roster expected to start.

Leading the way for the Huskies will be two five-star recruits that are likely to end up as lottery picks in next year’s NBA Draft. Isaiah Stewart will start at center, while Jaden McDaniels, a hometown hero out of Federal Way will slot in as the small forward. Don’t be surprised if both end up as top five picks in next year’s draft.

Guard Quade Green a transfer from Kentucky, who was a five-star prospect coming out of high school, is expected to round out the starting five after receiving his eligibility for the entire season late last week.

Sophomores Elijah Hardy and Jamal Bey will probably see a lot of time off the bench, and be the biggest role players for the Dawgs. Redshirt freshman Nate Roberts should see plenty of action after playing well on the Italy trip, and senior Sam Timmins will see a lot of run as a backup big man.

Expect Mike Hopkins to run a deeper rotation this year, instead of his typical eight-man lineup, with more run for redshirt freshman center Bryan Penn-Johnson, and true freshman guard RaeQuan Battle from local Marysville Pilchuck. We also might see fellow freshman Marcus Tsohonis in some blowouts.

Related Story. Washington basketball’s fastest riser in 2019. light

What would a great year look like? A deep run in the NCAA Tournament, and maybe, just maybe, a third straight Pac-12 Coach of the Year award for Mike Hopkins? Only time will tell, but this Husky team has a very high ceiling.

Home/Basketball