The Husky Haul
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Washington basketball: Nahziah Carter’s return still unclear

By Connor Gilbert

ANCHORAGE, AK - NOVEMBER 08: Nahziah Carter #11 of the Washington Huskies puts up a three-point shot in the second half against the Baylor Bears during the ESPN Armed Forces Classic at Alaska Airlines Center on November 8, 2019 in Anchorage, Alaska. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
ANCHORAGE, AK - NOVEMBER 08: Nahziah Carter #11 of the Washington Huskies puts up a three-point shot in the second half against the Baylor Bears during the ESPN Armed Forces Classic at Alaska Airlines Center on November 8, 2019 in Anchorage, Alaska. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /
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Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports broke some unfortunate news about the Washington basketball senior’s suspension and the likelihood of him returning anytime soon

Carter, who was suspended from all team activities for violating the Intercollegiate Athletics student code of conduct two weeks ago, averaged 12.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game last season. He was figured to play an even bigger role this year, and Quade Green’s return from his suspension led many to be optimistic about the possibility of Carter returning similarly. However, the specific violation of the code of conduct has not been revealed, and it’s likely safe to say it might not ever be — it’s likely for something far more serious than Green’s situation.

The fact that Hopkins is already resigned to the fact that Carter will likely not be available at the start of the season is also troubling, especially since it’s weeks away. Percy Allen of the Seattle Times, however, said that Hopkins “is preparing to begin the season with and without Nahziah Carter,” (emphasis added) which tracks a bit differently than Rothstein’s report.

But a suspension that is expected to bleed into late November is strange (to put it generously), and raises plenty of questions that will likely go unanswered until it is announced he will return (or not return). Dan Raley of SI’s Husky Maven described the allegations as serious and “that, if true as they are spelled out on line, could have far-reaching implications”. It’s unclear whether he was referring to speculation or just the implication of the length and lack of disclosure in the announcement.

Until then, the only thing Huskies fans can do is wait and see. There’s not much else to glean from the situation other than that things could get dicey to start the season soon.

Hopkins could simply be expressing pessimism in the hope of avoiding disappointment, but it’s definitely not something his team needs, especially coming off of last season’s extended midseason implosion.

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