The Washington Huskies are nearing the end of their non-conference slate, but the road ahead is anything but smooth. Sitting at 8-4 overall and 1-1 in Big Ten play, the Huskies are about to dive headfirst into the teeth of their conference schedule - and they may have to do it short-handed.
In their most recent outing, an 86-56 blowout win over San Diego on Dec. 22, Washington was without two key contributors: sophomore guard Wesley Yates III and sophomore center Lathan Sommerville. Both missed the game due to injuries, and their return timelines remain uncertain.
Yates, the team’s second-leading scorer, injured his hand during the Dec. 19 loss to Seattle University. He logged under 11 minutes in that game before exiting. That loss - a 70-66 stumble at Climate Pledge Arena - was a tough pill to swallow, not just because it was against a crosstown rival, but because it highlighted how much this team leans on Yates’ presence on both ends of the floor.
Yates has been one of Washington’s most consistent offensive threats this season, averaging 14.9 points per game while shooting 39.5% from the field and 33.8% from beyond the arc. He’s also contributing nearly four rebounds and adding defensive value with 1.6 steals per game. Simply put, he’s not just a scorer - he’s a tone-setter.
Sommerville, meanwhile, has been a steady presence behind senior center Franck Kepnang. His numbers - 4.5 points and 3.5 rebounds per game - won’t jump off the stat sheet, but his role as a physical interior presence and rim protector has been valuable, especially in a conference known for its bruising frontcourts.
With Sommerville sidelined, freshman forward Nikola Dzepina stepped up against San Diego and made the most of his opportunity. The Serbian big man dropped seven points, grabbed eight boards, handed out two assists, and added a block in extended minutes. It was a strong showing for the young forward, and a reminder of the depth Washington is developing - even if it’s being tested earlier than expected.
Still, head coach Danny Sprinkle didn’t have much clarity to offer after the game. “With those two, I have no idea how long either of them are going to be out,” Sprinkle said.
“We’re still waiting on the test results. Praying for both of them, and knock on wood, we’ll be able to get them back at some point in the near future.”
That uncertainty looms large with the Big Ten gauntlet about to begin in earnest. After wrapping up non-conference play against Utah on Dec. 29, the Huskies will face three top-10 opponents over their next five games: a road trip to No.
5 Purdue on Jan. 7, a home matchup with No. 2 Michigan on Jan. 14, and another home test against No.
9 Michigan State on Jan. 17.
That’s a brutal stretch even at full strength. Without Yates and Sommerville, Washington’s margin for error shrinks considerably.
The win over San Diego showed this team can rally in the face of adversity. But navigating the Big Ten without two key rotation players?
That’s a different level of challenge. Washington will need its depth, its defense, and a little bit of luck - especially when it comes to getting Yates and Sommerville back in the fold - if it hopes to make noise in one of the nation’s toughest conferences.