2022 Record: 16-16 (8-12)

Head Coach: Mike Hopkins (Career Record 105-96) (Record at Washington 101-91)

Projected Rotation:

PG: Sahvir Wheeler (Kentucky 7.7 Pts, 2.3 Reb, 5.6 Ast)

SG: Paul Mulcahy (Rutgers 8.3 Pts, 3.6 Reb, 4.9 Ast)

SF: Moses Wood (Portland 15.3 Pts, 6.3 Reb, 1.8 Ast)

PF: Keion Brooks Jr (17.7 Pts, 6.7 Reb, 1.4 Ast)

C: Braxton Meah (8.8 Pts, 7.2 Reb, 0.6 Ast)

6: SG Wesley Yates

7: C Franck Kepnang (9.0 Pts, 6.3 Reb, 0.3 Ast)

8: SG Koren Johnson (6.8 Pts, 1.2 Reb, 1.8 Ast)

9: PG Nate Calmese (Lamar 17.6 Pts, 2.5 Reb, 2.0 Ast)

10: SG Anthony Holland (Fresno State 6.8 Pts, 4.3 Reb, 1.0 Ast)

11: C Wilhelm Breidenbach (Nebraska 3.6 Pts, 2.7 Reb, 0.5 Ast)

12: SF Christian King

13: SF Samuel Ariyibi (2021-22 0.8 Pts, 0.0 Reb, 0.0 Ast)

Washington went all out in the transfer portal trying to rebuild the team in what could be a make it or break it season for Mike Hopkins this year. Washington returns their leading scorer from last season in forward Keion Brooks Jr. He is a high energy player that does what he needs to do to win. He attacks the boards really well and finishes around the rim well too. He has improved on defense over the course of his career and has been developing a three point shot as well.

Washington went to the portal to fill their guard spots. They went big getting Sahvir Wheeler from Kentucky and Paul Mulcahy from Rutgers. Wheeler has had an up and down career. The best part of his game is his speed, passing, and defense. He’s been inconsistent as a scorer over his career and has never really been a great three point shooter. Mulcahy has great size for his position and he has proven to be a quality player in the Big 10. Some of his strengths are also passing and defense. He averaged nearly 5 assists per game at 6-7. He is an intriguing player and will fit the offense perfectly in an off ball role. Another transfer expected to start for the Huskies this offseason is Portland transfer Moses Wood. He’s a 6-8 forward that has a great shot and a ton of experience. He’s also spent time at UNLV and Tulane in addition to Portland. Washington will be his first high major stop and his toughest challenge yet. He’s a career 41% 3 point shooter and 83% free throw shooter.

The remaining transfers the Huskies picked up this offseason are Wilhelm Breidenbach from Nebraska, Nate Calmese from Lamar, and Anthony Holland from Fresno State. Breidenbach provides some needed depth at the center position for the Huskies. He has struggled from the floor shooting wise the last few seasons, but does have potential and was likely brought in to develop. Holland is going into his 5th season after spending 4 years at Fresno State. He will be a quality player off the bench and will add some shooting value to the team. Nate Calmese had a very productive freshman season at Lamar averaged nearly 18PPG with great shooting splits. He is making a tremendous jump in conference level and he’s still a young player so he will be able to develop during his career in Seattle.

Koren Johnson is returning to the Huskies for his sophomore season after having a very promising freshman year. Johnson averaged nearly 7PPG shooting 40% from the floor and could grow even more with the chance of becoming a starter at some point in the season. Washington also got a commitment this offseason from 4 star guard Wesley Yates and he will immediately compete for minutes early on in his career. Washington also received a commitment from 3 star forward Christian King and SF Samuel Ariyibi is also on the roster after missing the entire 2022-23 season.

Washington has both of their big men returning next season Braxton Meah and Franck Kepnang. Meah was a significant surprise as his numbers were a lot better this past season with Washington than they were during his Fresno State career. Kepnang got injured early last season, but was a very productive in the 8 games that he played in. Either big man has the chance to start and would compete for minutes this season. They will likely split minutes this season. Meah and Kepnang with the addition of Breidenbach via the portal gives Washington a trio of quality centers that they can rely on.

This could be a make it or break it year for Mike Hopkins. If he doesn’t show progress this season, he could easily be fired. I feel like he did all he could in the portal in order to turn the program around immediately. The roster does have some talent and it could show some promising results. Washington filled all of their needs in the transfer portal. The biggest question is chemistry and how the team will come together. Washington should strive to at least make the NIT and finish around 20 wins. If this team performs better than expected, I wouldn’t be too shocked if they find their way into bubble consideration.