The Washington men’s basketball team is set to launch a new era under head coach Danny Sprinkle as they take on UC Davis in their season opener on Tuesday night at 7 p.m. PT at Alaska Airlines Arena. Fans can watch the game live on the Big Ten Network or tune in on 950 KJR-AM, with real-time stats available at HuskyStats.com.
UC Davis: A Strong Opponent
UC Davis enters the season with high expectations, having been picked to finish fifth in the Big West Preseason Coaches Poll. Last season, the Aggies demonstrated their strength by securing a third-place finish in the Big West with a solid 14-6 conference record and a general mark of 20-13. Their road performance was also commendable, finishing 8-6 in away games.
The Aggies bring back several key contributors, including senior guard Ty Johnson, who has been named to the Preseason All-Big West Team. Johnson stood out last season, ranking among the top 10 in the conference in scoring, assists, and steals. UC Davis also returns senior forward Niko Rocak, along with a total of eight letter winners and two starters from last year’s roster. Head coach Jim Les, now in his 14th season, has guided the Aggies to two Big West Championships and an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2017, solidifying his impact on the program.
Series History: Washington vs. UC Davis
Washington and UC Davis have met only once before, during the 2017-18 season. In that matchup, the Huskies overcame a halftime deficit to secure a 77-70 victory. Jaylen Nowell led the way with 21 points, while Noah Dickerson recorded a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds.
Washington’s Season-Opening Success
The Huskies have a strong history in season openers, boasting a 93-31 all-time record. Over the last 30 years, they have won 24 of their season openers, including 16 of the past 20. This will be Washington’s fourth consecutive season opener at Alaska Airlines Arena. Last year, the Huskies dominated Bellarmine with a 91-57 victory to kick off their campaign, further cementing their reputation for strong starts.
Washington vs. UC Davis (image via Getty)Roster Turnover and Experience
This season, Washington faces a significant roster transition, returning only four letter winners from last year. Among them, Willhelm Breidenbach is the only player who appeared in more than 10 games during the previous season. Generally, the returning players accounted for just 10% of last season’s total starts, presenting a challenge for the team in terms of chemistry and cohesion.
Despite this, the Huskies have an experienced squad, with their roster featuring over 800 combined collegiate games played. Ten of the 16 players are upperclassmen, including six seniors and one graduate student, providing leadership and stability.
Strengthening Through the Transfer Portal
Washington has been aggressive in the transfer market, bringing in eight Division I transfers—the highest number of new additions in a single season. Among these recruits are DJ Davis and Tyree Ihenacho, both of whom bring valuable experience and playmaking ability.
Spotlight on Great Osobor
One of the most anticipated players this season is Great Osobor, who followed Coach Sprinkle from Montana State to Washington. Osobor was named an AP Honorable Mention All-American last season and earned both Mountain West Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year honors. His presence on the court is expected to be a game-changer for the Huskies.
Key Players to Watch
DJ Davis enters the season as a key contributor, having led the nation in free throw percentage last year. His scoring ability and clutch performances at the line will be crucial for Washington’s success. Additionally, the Huskies welcome highly touted recruit Zoom Diallo, the highest-rated prospect to commit to Washington since 2019. A consensus four-star recruit and the 2022-23 Gatorade Player of the Year in Washington, Diallo is expected to make an immediate impact.
Home Court Advantage at Alaska Airlines Arena
Washington has historically thrived at home, maintaining a .742 winning percentage at Alaska Airlines Arena over the past 20 seasons. The Huskies have recorded double-digit home wins in 17 of those seasons, making their home court a significant advantage.
Entering the Big Ten: A New Challenge
This season marks Washington’s inaugural year in the Big Ten Conference, bringing new challenges and opportunities. Competing in one of the nation’s most competitive conferences, the Huskies aim to establish themselves as a formidable force.
The Danny Sprinkle Impact
Danny Sprinkle arrives with a track record of success, having improved his previous teams’ win totals in their first seasons under his leadership. His coaching philosophy emphasizes player development, and several of his former players have earned all-conference honors. With Sprinkle at the helm, expectations are high for Washington’s future.
As the Huskies lead on this new chapter, Etruesports will continue to provide in-depth coverage throughout the season. With a mix of veteran experience and fresh talent, Washington looks poised to make an impact in the months ahead. Stay tuned for the latest updates and insights.
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