The Washington Huskies officially announced the hire of head coach Danny Sprinkle on Monday, replacing Mike Hopkins as the 20th coach in the history of the UW program.
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to President Cauce and the athletic department leadership for entrusting me to lead the men’s basketball program at this world-class institution,” Sprinkle said in a statement.
“It was going to take something special for me to leave Logan, and the University of Washington was it. The university means a great deal to our family and I am excited to return to my home state. With a strong commitment to excellence and incredible fan support, we will recruit exceptional young men who will take pride in wearing the purple and gold, who will win championships and who will leave UW with an impressive degree. I am excited to get started and to be a part of such a special place.”
Washington’s program has struggled mightily over the last five seasons, but Sprinkle could be just the man to change that. He holds a 109-51 record over the last five seasons and has brought his team the NCAA Tournament three years in a row.
Those winning ways seem to have gotten Sprinkle the stamp of approval on social media.
Congrats Coach ..HUSKY FAMILY EXCITED TO HAVE YOU…. Great job to administrations getting it done under the circumstances.. 💜💛💜💛 https://t.co/2zvpUaz9JR
— Will Conroy (@CHILLCONROY) March 25, 2024
One of the first people to announce their support for Sprinkle was former UW and Montana State guard RaeQuon Battle.
This man changed my life when I left Washington to Montana State!! I would go to war for @USUCoachSprink! Everyone back home in PNW, welcome and show a tremendous amount of love for Coach Sprink, nobody deserves it more ⭐️💜 UBUNTU Go DAWGS!! https://t.co/LgJOQcF4Ll
— RaeQuan Battle (@RaeQuanBattle) March 25, 2024
Other Husky alumni appeared to approve of the hire too.
Congrats Coach! Let’s get the program back to where we belong! 🏁 https://t.co/0BZJZsrTOX
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) March 25, 2024
.@UW_MBB !!! pic.twitter.com/4j5pLRrOsI
— Spence Needle (@spencerhawes00) March 25, 2024
Fans also seemed to be energized after the Huskies haven’t given basketball fans much to cheer about over the last five years.
Danny Sprinkle and Jedd Fisch getting ready to torch the entire B1G next year #WeBack pic.twitter.com/3rHRCx73D8 https://t.co/a6DRbsa9IL
— Jack Michael (@Jacksmichael14) March 25, 2024
did i do this right? @spencerhawes00 @coker_UDub pic.twitter.com/gki6APQfqg
— spencer richey (@Spencer__Richey) March 25, 2024
UW gets their #1 choice. Sprinkle had great success in jobs with significantly less NIL, local talent and facilities than UW
Elite foundation for an elite coach, awesome hire! #GoDawgs #BowDown 🐺☔☔☔☔ https://t.co/IL1iZiA5Gu
— CP's Burner (#2 in CFB) (14-1) (@ChrisPetersenUW) March 25, 2024
Danny Sprinkle is a home run hire for this @UW_MBB team. One of the fastest rising coaches in the country who is a proven winner and culture developer. @Dawgman247 @Return_Of_RB
— Jack McCauley (@JackMcCauley_) March 25, 2024