As the college basketball season kicks off in early November, Inside the Hall will provide a team-by-team analysis of the Big Ten, alongside an in-depth examination of the IU basketball roster over the coming months.
Today’s preview focuses on Washington.
Previous Previews
Previously: Penn State, Rutgers, Minnesota, Northwestern
Looking Ahead: Washington’s Rebuilding
After a challenging inaugural season in the Big Ten under Coach Danny Sprinkle, Washington aims to improve this winter with a revamped roster. The Huskies concluded the previous season with a 13-18 record, finishing 4-16 in the Big Ten and failing to qualify for the conference tournament, ending the season on a six-game losing streak.
Roster Enhancements Through Transfers
With a strong NIL budget, Sprinkle leveraged the transfer portal to attract new talent. Among the notable additions are guards Wesley Yates III and Desmond Claude, who previously played together at USC. Yates III, a 6-foot-4 redshirt sophomore, is a promising scorer with an average of 14.1 points last season. Claude, a 6-foot-6 senior from Xavier and USC, contributed 15.8 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.5 rebounds, making the Washington backcourt one of the most exciting in the conference.
Projected Starting Lineup and Depth
Sprinkle may utilize a three-guard setup featuring Claude and Yates III alongside Quimari Peterson, a senior transfer from East Tennessee State, who averaged 19.5 points last season. Washington also boasts depth with returning sophomore guard Zoom Diallo and freshman JJ Mandaquit. Diallo averaged 11.1 points last season, while Mandaquit garnered attention as a major recruit, favoring Washington over offers from BYU and USC.
Frontcourt Prospects
The five position will be anchored by Franck Kepnang, along with Rutgers transfer Lathan Sommerville and Mady Traore. Kepnang, a 6-foot-11 center, is a notable shot blocker but missed much of last season due to injuries. Sommerville, who had a solid rookie campaign at Rutgers, presents another offensive option. Additions Jacob Ognacevic from Lipscomb and Bryson Tucker from Indiana will be critical pieces as well.
Outlook for the Upcoming Season
With a strong offseason, Washington appears poised for a significant turnaround. Coach Sprinkle’s depth at nearly every position, complemented by veteran players like Claude and Yates III and the high-potential talent of Hannes Steinbach, sets the stage for an interesting season ahead.
Final Thoughts
Ranked No. 48 in Bart Torvik’s preseason projections, Washington is expected to improve in Sprinkle’s second year. While they were viewed as an easy target last season, that perception is likely to change. With more versatility in their play style and deeper roster, Washington could become a contender for the NCAA tournament if everything aligns effectively.
Quotable: “We’re going to play like my team at Utah State, where we’re one of the top teams in the country in tempo and scoring, because we have the players to do that… This year we’re going to be able to play a lot faster and hopefully shoot and make a lot more threes. We have a lot more versatility.” – Sprinkle in an interview with HoopsHQ.com.
(Photo credit: Washington Athletics)
See More: Commentary, 2025-26 Big Ten preview, Washington Huskies
