The Washington Huskies men’s basketball program is quietly building something under head coach Danny Sprinkle-and the recruiting trail is starting to reflect that momentum. Since taking the reins ahead of the 2024-25 season, Sprinkle has wasted no time reshaping the roster with a mix of high-upside freshmen and international talent. Now, it looks like Washington could be in the mix for one of the biggest prizes in the 2026 recruiting class.
Let’s start with what Sprinkle has already accomplished. In his first year, the Huskies landed a major in-state win with five-star point guard Zoom Diallo-a McDonald’s All-American and one of the top 30 prospects in the country. Getting a local star like Diallo to stay home is a statement, and it’s the kind of move that can open doors for future elite recruits.
The international pipeline has also been productive. Washington brought in two intriguing forwards in Hannes Steinbach (Germany) and Nikola Dzepina (Serbia).
Steinbach, in particular, is already turning heads and is on pace to earn national All-Freshman recognition. That’s no small feat for a first-year player adjusting to the American college game.
The 2024 class didn’t stop there. The Huskies also secured commitments from four-star guards JJ Mandaquit and Courtland Muldrew, along with four-star forward Jasir Rencher. Sprinkle’s staff has clearly prioritized versatility and athleticism, and the early returns suggest they’re building a foundation that can compete in the Big Ten.
But the buzz around Washington recruiting might be about to reach another level.
According to a recent report, the Huskies could be positioning themselves as a serious contender for Tyran Stokes-the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2026 class. Stokes, a 6-foot-7, 230-pound small forward with a 7-foot wingspan, recently transferred to Rainier Beach High School in Seattle. That move brings him right into Washington’s backyard, and it’s already generating some noise around the program.
Stokes is a matchup nightmare. He’s built like a power forward but plays with the fluidity and vision of a guard.
He’s explosive in transition, can initiate the break off the defensive glass, and has a natural feel for creating off the dribble. According to 247Sports’ director of scouting Adam Finkelstein, Stokes is “the most talented prospect in the national class”-a player who can shift the balance of a program the moment he steps on campus.
The competition for Stokes is fierce. He holds offers from blue bloods like Kentucky and Kansas, along with strong programs like Louisville, USC, and Oregon.
And right now, 247Sports’ Crystal Ball leans toward Kentucky as the favorite. But with Stokes now playing in Seattle, Washington’s staff has a golden opportunity to stay close, build a relationship, and make a compelling case.
This is where Sprinkle’s recent work could pay off. If the Huskies show tangible progress this season-especially after finishing at the bottom of the Big Ten last year-it gives them a narrative to sell.
A rising program. A coach with a clear vision.
A roster that’s developing NBA-caliber talent.
And that last point might be key. If a player like Steinbach continues to trend toward NBA lottery discussions by the time the 2026 draft rolls around, it creates a blueprint for someone like Stokes. Washington could pitch itself not just as a place to play, but as a place to launch a professional career.
As of now, the Huskies haven’t officially offered Stokes. But with the top prospect now just a few miles from campus, don’t be surprised if that changes soon. Washington is already building something under Sprinkle-and if they can land a player like Stokes, it could be a game-changer.