Markelle Fultz: Putting His Season for the Huskies into Context
By Paul Taylor
Markelle Fultz continues to produce despite the struggles of his teammates, but where does his season rank against the greats in Washington Huskies’ history?
Perception can be a funny thing at times. Consider Markelle Fultz as a prime example.
On the one hand, a lot of people are saying Fultz is having the best individual season in Washington Huskies‘ history. However, this is countered by others, who believe he benefits from playing on a poor team, meaning he spends the majority of the time with the ball in his hands.
Similarly, basketball analysts point to the 18-year old currently leading the Pac-12 in scoring and ranking second in assists. However, the naysayers will argue this doesn’t mean much, with the Huskies’ conference record of 2-9 (and 9-14 overall) putting them second-bottom in the standings.
So what is the answer? Where does the season Fultz is producing rank in the annuals of UW?
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Objectively speaking, the Huskies’ team record does play a factor. Further, while there is no denying the lack of supporting cast around the freshman sensation, it is often easier for individuals to dominate in basketball, with just 10 players on the court at any time.
However, where Fultz deserves recognition, is down to the reality the opposition are often focusing on him, given that he is the only real threat on the team. In this respect, his shooting percentage of 47.9 — including 41.2 from behind the three-point line — is extremely impressive.
In addition, the Upper Marlboro, Maryland native is fifth in the conference in steals and second on the Huskies in rebounds. He really does do it all.
About the only really negative you can say about Fultz — apart from the team’s record — is his free-throw percentage. Certainly, his .644 success rate will have to improve, when he is likely drafted first or second in this year’s NBA draft.
Going back to the perception angle, it’s interesting how the 2016 All-American’s demeanor on the court is viewed. For some, his lack of emotion means he doesn’t care, although last time I checked, Joe Montana‘s calm, level-headed approach never held him back.
As far as Fultz himself is concerned, he’s amused by the whole thing. Speaking to Matt Calkins of The Seattle Times, he said: “It’s pretty funny to me.
“People want to say that I don’t care, but anybody who knows me knows how much I love the game and that I’m always trying to get the guys up.”