SB Nation Kansas City: All Posts by Kevin Cacabelos

Williams-Goss makes first cut for USA U19 team

2013-06-17T15:42:53Z

Incoming Husky point guard Nigel Williams-Goss inched a little closer to securing a spot to the USA U19 team this past weekend. Williams-Goss survived the first roster cut of 24 players to 16 players; the final roster will consist of 12 players. The final roster decision will be made up by a committee of five college coaches that includes Washington head coach Lorenzo Romar. Out of the 16 remaning players, seven of those players are classified at the guard position.

Williams-Goss and the 15 other finalists will continue to practice at the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado until June 19th when the final cut will be made. The top 12 players will then travel to Washington D.C. at the Washington Wizards practice facility for three days of training before traveling to Prague, Czech Republic to compete at the FIBA 19 U19 World Championships from June 24th to July 6th.

USABasketball.com interviewed Goss about the experience:

Husky Spring Sports Roundup: Men's Crew, Softball continue success

2013-06-17T14:00:04Z

At UW Dawg Pound, you will usually find news and analysis regarding solely Washington's basketball and football teams, but there may be some of you out there interested in the school's performance in other sports. Here's a quick roundup on how the different spring sport teams fared this year:

Men's Crew
Make that a three-peat. The Huskies dominated the 111th Annual IRA National Championships in early June. Entering the competition at No. 1, the Huskies won its third consecutive and 16th overall national championship at Lake Natoma in Gold River, Calif. Credit head coach Michael Callahan for much of the team's success. The Huskies did not fall in the trap of complacency this season and stayed motivated behind the coaching of Callahan. Read a full recap of the championship meet at GoHuskies.com.

Women's Crew
The Huskies finished sixth overall at the NCAA championships, benefiting from a bronze medal performance by their varsity four squad. The varsity four consisted of sophomore Hannah Lukanuski, senior Monqiue Moore, sophomore Giuliana Chilczuk, sophomore Natalie Harshman and sophomore Elizabeth Vogt; they finished behind USC and Ohio State in the grand final. The team improved upon their seventh place performance from last season. Here is the meet's full game story.

Softball
So close! The Huskies finished tied for third at the Women's College World Series this year. The No. 11 Huskies fell to No. 1 Oklahoma in the semifinals. UW compiled a 45-17 record and finished a Pac-12 best in the WCWS with two series wins over Nebraska and Michigan before advancing to face Oklahoma. This year was the Huskies' best finish since winning it all in 2009.

Men's Golf
The team made its 10th NCAA championship in 12 years, but for the first time since 2009, did not make the cutline to participate in head-to-head match play. The Huskies were led this past Spring by senior Chris Williams and sophomore Cheng-Tsung Pan. Entering the NCAA Championships, Williams was the No. 1 amateur in the world and as of this week he still sits at No. 1. Williams took home the 2013 Ben Hogan Award honoring the top player in college and amateur golf. Not to be outdone, Pan has opened eyes at the U.S. Open this past weekend; the amateur was only two shots off the lead after two rounds of play.

Women's Golf
The Huskies got its best performance from freshman Ying Luo who finished tied for 50th, finishing at +13 at the NCAA Women's Golf Championships. The team will return its entire roster in 2013-14, including junior Kelli Bowers who was injured all spring. The team will have more experience next year as all of its top five players were either sophomores or freshmen this season.

Men's Tennis
Kyle McMorrow finished his career by making the sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament. McMorrow entered the tournament ranked no. 17, carrying a 100-35 career record and a season record of 25-7. The All-Pac-12 First Team member was the eighth All-American in Washington's program history in the sport.

Women's Tennis
Despite the doubles team of sophomore Natali Coronel and freshman Grace Ysidora, the Huskies were unable to secure an invitation to the NCAA tournament. Considered a bubble team at 13-9, the Huskies were the highest ranked team in the country (42) to be left out of the tournament. The entire roster returns next season.

Baseball
The Huskies stumbled to 24-32 overall record and 15-15 Pac-12 record. The team finished tied for fifth overall in a competitive Pac-12 conference; four teams made it to NCAA Regionals with UCLA and Oregon State still alive in the College World Series. The program's focus now shifts toward new work being done at Husky Ballpark; a new playing surface and stadium grandstand will be built in time for the beginning of next season in February 2014. Other recent news includes three Huskies being taken in the Major League Baseball draft: junior right-handed pitcher Austin Voth (Washington Nationals, 5th round: 166th overall), junior right-handed pitcher Tyler Kane (Miami Marlins, 38th round: 1,132 overall), senior shortstop Ty Afenir (New York Yankees, 39th round: 1,184th overall).

Track and Field
The men's team finished 28th overall, while the women's team finished 29th overall at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Oregon. Jeremy Taiwo was responsible for the men's team's eight points, finishing second in the decatholon. On the women's side, Megan Goethals earned the team all nine of their points by finishing fourth in the 10,000m and fifth in the 5,000m. A full recap of the team's performance here.

Recruiting Bites: Era of unlimited phone calls and text messages begins

2013-06-17T14:00:04Z

Your weekly Husky basketball recruiting update...

If you just finished your sophomore year of high school and have any shot at playing college basketball, chances are, your phone was blowing up this past weekend. The NCAA's basketball recruiting rule changes went into effect, allowing college coaches to make and send unlimited amounts of phone calls and text messages to recruits. While constant calls and text messages can be an annoyance to a recruit, at least this rule prevents the influence of shady third party involvement in recruiting – or does it? Your thoughts?

It's no secret Lorenzo Romar achieves success when he can lock up the state's prep talent. Guys like Isaiah Thomas, Jon Brockman, Nate Robinson and Brandon Roy are all examples of tremendous talent UW was able to keep in state. Is the team targeting anyone from the 2014 class? An early assessment of this year's class from the state reveals a lack of top ended talent. The state's best recruit, Rainier Beach's Shaqquan Aaron is off to Louisville. However, the staff has their eyes on two in-state players from 2014, Bothell's Josh Martin (Forward, 2014) and Timberline's Donaven Dorsey (Forward, 2014). Neither player is a game-changing recruit, but they both have the tools to become impact players at Washington.

Silas Melson (Guard, 2014) made an unofficial visit to Gonzaga this past weekend. Melson has UW and Gonzaga as his top two schools. The sharpshooter attends Jefferson HS in Oregon, the alma-mater of former Husky Terrence Ross. Here's a highlight tape of Melson from earlier this year.

Area Codes provides an informative interview with Zylan Cheatham (Forward, 2014). Cheatham is a 6-foot-7 forward out of Phoenix, Arizona. Cheatham has ideal length, size and athleticism at the small forward position. He holds offers from Washington, Oregon, USC, Georgetown, San Diego State, and New Mexico.

2015 recruits are beginning to receive interest from UW's coaching staff, including wing player Bennie Boatright (Forward, 2015) from Mission Hills, Calif. In short, according to this scouting report, Boatright is a shooter with an ideal size to play the wing position at 6-foot-6. Cal and UCLA are also showing early interest.

Another 2015 recruit to watch is Kendall Small (Guard, 2015) out of Ocean View HS in Huntington Beach, Calif. ESPN recruiting expert Joel Francisco said this about Small in a recent write-up: "He can knock down treys or use his strength to punish defenders off the dribble. However, the most impressive aspect of his game this weekend was his pin-point passing in transition." Small is receiving early interest from several Pac-12 schools including Washington.

Email tips to kcacabelos@gmail.com.

Recruiting Bites: Melson names Washington and Gonzaga his leaders

2013-06-11T14:00:05Z

Your weekly Husky basketball recruiting update...

Several of the West Coast's top AAU teams were in action at the Rose City Showcase in Oregon this past weekend. Kameron Chatman (Forward, 2014) stood out according to Pete Christopher at The Oregonian, "Chatman showed his versatility all weekend long, handling point guard duties at times and playing around the rim, as well." Chatman is one of the several small forward types the Lorenzo Romar and his staff is after. Eight other Pac-12 schools along with Washington have offered Chatman.

Chatman's ICP Elite teammate, Silas Melson (Shooting Guard, 2014), also shined at the Showcase. Christopher said, "Melson showed a full range of skills during the tournament. He flashed his outstanding leaping ability and obvious athleticism, but his long-range shooting and lockdown on-ball defense stood out, as well." Melson declared Gonzaga and Washington his two current leaders in his recruitment.

Namon Wright (Shooting Guard, 2014) is taking the next step of the recruiting process and is planning out his visits. So far he has confirmed an official visit to Arizona along with visits to UCLA, Florida St. and Gonzaga eventually.

ESPN recruiting analyst Joel Francisco had high praise for Dorian Pickens (Shooting Guard, 2014):

2014 Dorian Pickens is what we like to refer to as a"basketball player"...High IQ and shoots it..#MDTourney
— Joel Francisco (@JoelFranESPN) 8 de junio de 2013

Another target Husky fans should keep their tabs on is Malik Pope, a 6-8 small forward from Sacramento, Calif. Pope has offers from 10 Pac-12 schools and is one of the top players in California from the class of 2014. Here is a recent highlight video of Pope...I love the flat-top.

Point Guard U has this nice write-up on 2014 Zylan Cheatham, a 6-7 forward from Westwind Prep. Cheatham has scholarship offers from several Pac-12 schools including UW.

Email tips to kcacabelos@gmail.com.

Recruiting Bites: News and notes on Washington basketball targets

2013-06-11T03:21:05Z

UW Dawg Pound wraps up the latest in hoops recruiting news.

Summer basketball is in full swing and it is now time for Husky basketball fans to turn their attention to the ever important recruiting season. UW Dawg Pound will be tracking the performances and recruitment of the Huskies' current targets on a regular basis.

Head Coach Lorenzo Romar and his staff are focused on locking up players from the shooting guard and small forward positions. The Huskies currently lack serious depth at those positions and will lose even more after next season when C.J. Wilcox graduates.

Here's an update on some of the Huskies recruits from the class of 2014:

Josh Martin (Seattle, Wash./Bothell HS), Forward, 6-foot-8, 220 pounds: I had the opportunity to watch Martin at the Quaker Summer Slam in Seattle last weekend. Martin is one of the most athletic players in the state, he has serious bounce along with a decent jumper that extends to three-point range. He showed surprisingly good vision for a player his size, throwing several nice passes in transition. His length and size also allowed him to grab rebounds and be a force on the defensive end. Washington is still considered the clear leader, but Florida State, Minnesota, Oklahoma St. and Oregon St. have also offered Martin.

Namon Wright (Los Angeles, Calif./Findlay Prep), Guard, 6-foot-5, 175 pounds: Wright played in the prestigious Pangos All-American Camp last weekend in Long Beach, Calif. Scout.com's Josh Gershon tweeted, "Always like watching Namon Wright play. He's making some really nice entry passes, playing hard, defending and getting to the basket." Washington has some stiff competition for Wright, UCLA, Arizona and Gonzaga are among the several schools to have offered him. In mid-May, Wright announced a transfer to Findlay Prep in Nevada from his hometown school of Pacific Hills in Los Angeles; Findlay Prep is the former school of incoming Husky Nigel Williams-Goss.

Dorian Pickens (Phoenix, Ariz./Pinnacle HS), Guard, 6-foot-4, 190 pounds: In the latest slate of Nike EYBL games, Pickens scored in double digits in four of five games for the Oakland Soldiers. His best game came against the Spiece Indy Heat, where he scored 17 points and grabbed three rebounds. Arizona, Washington and a couple of other Pac-12 schools have offered Pickens.

Silas Melson (Portland, Oregon/Jefferson HS), Guard, 6-foot-2, 170 pounds: Melson will be one of the top players in action at the 2013 Rose City Showcase in Portland, Oregon starting this Friday, June 7. Melson will play for ICP Elite. Also participating in the tournament will be Seattle Rotary Select and Josh Martin.

Pac-12 Basketball Recruiting: Top 5 2013 Big Men

2013-06-06T14:00:04Z

This post completes our series on the top 2013 recruits entering the Pac-12 this fall. Here our links to our previous posts on point guards and wings.

5. Nikola Jovancovic, 6'10, 215lbs--Serbia, Europe (Arlington Country Day School)--USC TROJANS

Expert's take:

Jovanovic is a multi-skilled big man with a long frame. He can convert buckets inside-and-out due to his skill level and feel for the game. (Via: ESPN)

Breakdown:

Jovancovic fits the stereotype of European big men – he can stretch defenses through his deep shot-making ability. He's not polished, but looks like a mainstay in the Pac-12. Does he fit new USC Head Coach's Andy Enfield's system? This has yet to be determined.

4. Schuyler Rimmer, 6'9, 233lbs--Orlando, Florida (Boone HS)--STANFORD CARDINAL

Expert's take:

Schuyler is a solid post prospect who can score facing the basket to 15 feet but gets most of his buckets on put backs and drop passes. He's a good rebounder with a solid body and toughness. (Via: ESPN)

Breakdown:

From scouting reports, Rimmer is described as a hard-nosed player on both ends of the court. Near the end of his last season at Boone, Rimmer was averaging more than 15 points and rebounds per game. Rimmer will likely redshirt this season with the sheer amount of depth at Stanford next year.

3. Kameron Rooks, 7'0, 280lbs--San Marcos, Calif. (Mission Hills HS)--CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS

Expert's take:

Rooks has a huge frame and very long arms. He has very soft hands and his basketball IQ is quite high. He has a solid drop-step move where he gets his defenders on his back and utilizes his length and great hands to convert around the basket. (Via: ESPN)

Breakdown:

Rooks' size will open eyes and get him playing time, but he still has a long way until he can reach his full potential. He needs to get in proper shape and improve his mobility to be effective at the college level. His best strength is his defensive presence; he'll be a guaranteed big body for Cal Head Coach Mike Montgomery's defense.

2. Jordan Bell, 6'8, 215lbs--Long Beach, Calif. (Long Beach Poly HS)--OREGON DUCKS

Expert's take:

Bell is an extremely quick leaper with a great upside. His sinewy frame with long arms should fill out nicely in the coming seasons and he isn't close to a finished product. Bell continues to impress with his energy and awe-inspiring shot blocking ability. (Via: ESPN)

Breakdown:

Jordan Bell is a treat to watch. Not only is he a superb shot-blocker, he relishes and enjoys having this ability. His long wingspan and athleticism make him a candidate for the All-Pac 12 Defensive team in his first year at Oregon. On offense, he is comfortable and explosive in transition.

1. Aaron Gordon, 6'8, 210lbs--San Jose, Calif. (Archbishop Mitty)--ARIZONA WILDCATS

Read about the top Pac-12 point guard recruits from the class of 2013. Nigel Williams-Goss, Sam Singer and Ikenna Iroegbu headline the list.

Expert's take:

When it comes to effort and bounce there are few prospects that can compete with Gordon. The ultra-bouncy 4/3 has an evolving offensive game, great hands, and a contagious competitive spirit. He is relentless around the paint area getting numerous tip-ins and dunks. (Via: ESPN)

Breakdown:

Aaron Gordon is a beast. The sure to be one-and-done player turns Arizona into an instant national championship contender. His athleticism is off-the-charts and he is absolutely relentless on both ends of the courts. Finding players with his talent is rare, but finding a player with a motor is even more difficult – have fun watching Gordon this year, he's special.

Washington officially announces basketball coaching changes

2013-06-06T01:30:08Z

The Huskies announced the hiring of Seattle-native Daniel Shapiro as the team's new strength coach, along with the departures of Paul Fortier and Jim Shaw on Wednesday.

Head Coach Lorenzo Romar's staff is now set for this coming season. Raphael Chillious returns to the Huskies as an assistant coach after spending a season at Villanova, while T.J. Otzelberger joins the Huskies after serving as an associate head coach and assistant at Iowa State for seven seasons. Former assistant coach Lamont Smith is no longer on the coaching staff after accepting a position at New Mexico. Chillious and Otzelberger join second-year assistant coach Brad Jackson.

Though these changes mark a major overhaul of the program, they do not come as a surprise. The Huskies have not made the NCAA tournament for two consecutive seasons and a push for change might have been coming from the higher-ups in the UW athletic department. Or, maybe Romar felt the need to switch things up after the team's recent struggles.

The departure of Jim Shaw is perhaps the most radical change out of this overall transition. Shaw spent 10 seasons with Romar at Washington and a half-season with Romar at Saint Louis. The one constant in this program besides Romar during this past decade has been Shaw – I'm willing to say this move was not a voluntary one made by Romar nor Shaw.

Otzelberger and Jackson will provide an excellent X's and O's background while Chillious main strength is his recruiting ability. Interestingly enough, Romar has pegged Otzelberger as the team's recruiting coordinator even though most of his background comes from the Midwest. While Fortier and Shaw's connections were mainly on the West Coast, Otzelberger has Midwest connections while Chillious is well-connected to the East Coast. Whether this diversity is a strength or a weakness can be left up for debate.

Not to be lost in this shuffle is the hiring of Shapiro, who comes from the Sacramento Kings – he's worked with former Huskies Isaiah Thomas, Jon Brockman and Spencer Hawes.

Can Husky fans expect immediate and noticeable change this coming season? Absolutely, but fans must remember that impactful change sometimes takes time, and with recruiting playing such a huge role in a college basketball program's success, this new staff's impact may not be determined for a few years.

Recruiting Bites: Josh Martin shows versatility at Quaker Summer Slam

2013-06-04T15:00:07Z

Here's an update on some of the Huskies recruits from the class of 2014:

Josh Martin (Seattle, Wash./Bothell HS), Forward, 6-foot-8, 220 pounds: I had the opportunity to watch Martin at the Quaker Summer Slam in Seattle last weekend. Martin is one of the most athletic players in the state, he has serious bounce along with a decent jumper that extends to three-point range. He showed surprisingly good vision for a player his size, throwing several nice passes in transition. His length and size also allowed him to grab rebounds and be a force on the defensive end. Washington is still considered the clear leader, but Florida State, Minnesota, Oklahoma St. and Oregon St. have also offered Martin.

Namon Wright (Los Angeles, Calif./Findlay Prep), Guard, 6-foot-5, 175 pounds: Wright played in the prestigious Pangos All-American Camp last weekend in Long Beach, Calif. Scout.com's Josh Gershon tweeted, "Always like watching Namon Wright play. He's making some really nice entry passes, playing hard, defending and getting to the basket." Washington has some stiff competition for Wright, UCLA, Arizona and Gonzaga are among the several schools to have offered him. In mid-May, Wright announced a transfer to Findlay Prep in Nevada from his hometown school of Pacific Hills in Los Angeles; Findlay Prep is the former school of incoming Husky Nigel Williams-Goss.

Dorian Pickens (Phoenix, Ariz./Pinnacle HS), Guard, 6-foot-4, 190 pounds: In the latest slate of Nike EYBL games, Pickens scored in double digits in four of five games for the Oakland Soldiers. His best game came against the Spiece Indy Heat, where he scored 17 points and grabbed three rebounds. Arizona, Washington and a couple of other Pac-12 schools have offered Pickens.

Silas Melson (Portland, Oregon/Jefferson HS), Guard, 6-foot-2, 170 pounds: Melson will be one of the top players in action at the 2013 Rose City Showcase in Portland, Oregon starting this Friday, June 7. Melson will play for ICP Elite. Also participating in the tournament will be Seattle Rotary Select and Josh Martin.