Coach Danny Sprinkle had already put together a promising roster that should help Washington compete during their first season in the Big Ten. Then on July 3, the Huskies added wing Dominique Diomande to the team, who has spent the last three seasons playing professionally in France.
Diomande, who is projected as a top-50 selection in the NBA draft, averaged 16 points per game on 71.8 percent shooting from two-point range. His length, athleticism, and ability as a defender should make him a crucial piece of Sprinkle’s rotation and could help him crack the starting lineup.
Before Diomande’s addition, Washington’s projected starters had three guards flanking forward Great Osobor and center Franck Kepnang.
Now, Sprinkle has the ability to bring one of the trio of Zoom Diallo, DJ Davis, or Mekhi Mason off the bench and insert either Diomande or Tyler Harris into the starting lineup. Harris’ ability as a three-point shooter could give him the edge if that’s the route the former Utah State head coach chooses to pursue.
However, it doesn’t matter if either of them make the starting lineup or both end up coming off the bench, as the most important part of Diomande’s addition is the depth he brings to the roster. His athleticism and slashing ability should draw a lot of attention on the offensive end of the floor, while his length can allow him to guard all five positions.
The Huskies have a lot of experience on the roster and also added some high-upside youth that should create an exciting squad for Sprinkle to work with in his first season at the helm.
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