Washington Huskies: Markelle Fultz Likely Done for the Season
By Paul Taylor
Washington Huskies head coach Lorenzo Romar admits his superstar freshman is unlikely to take part in the Pac-12 Tournament.
A disastrous season for the Washington Huskies appears to have received its final nail in the coffin. Markelle Fultz has probably played his last game in a Husky uniform.
Lorenzo Romar confirmed that Fultz will definitely miss the final regular season game against the USC Trojans. However, the Huskies’ head coach was asked about the possibility of the freshman returning for the Pac-12 Tournament.
Speaking to The Tacoma News Tribune’s Christian Caple and the rest of the media, Romar said: “Probably unlikely, but we still have a few days to go.”
This is understandably disappointing for everyone concerned, but not surprising. With the NBA waiting, why would the potential first overall draft pick risk further damage to his knee?
More from Emerald City Swagger
- Seattle Seahawks: To rest or not to rest, that is the question
- Washington State Football: What you need to know for 2018 Alamo Bowl
- Washington Basketball: 3 takeaways from Huskies win over Sacramento St.
- Seattle Seahawks: 12s still waiting to exhale
- Seattle Seahawks: 4 Takeaways from 26-23 Loss to the 49ers
From an individual standpoint, the 18-year old has had a sensational season. He leads the Pac-12 in scoring (and is tied for fifth in the nation), is second in assists and fourth in steals, while also being good for 5.7 rebounds per game.
In truth though, no matter how talented Fultz may be, he’s been unable to help the Huskies win regularly, even when he has played. The team enters Saturday’s clash with the Trojans on the back of a shocking 11-game losing streak – the worst in school history.
The belief is that no matter how bad this season has been, Romar will return for at least one more campaign. This is down to a combination of the program currently running at a deficit — firing the coach now would cost them $3.2 million — and the impending arrival of Michael Porter Jr.
Regardless, it doesn’t change the fact the 2016-17 campaign has been the worst of the 58-year old’s tenure. His 9-20 record includes just two wins in conference play.
While this season was projected to be a challenge, no one anticipated it being this bad. Now, we’re at the point where the only surprise would be if the Huskies actually win the Pac-12 tournament – with or without Fultz.
Next: Markelle Fultz vs. Husky All-Time Greats
Do you give the Huskies any chance whatsoever of winning the Pac-12? Further, taking into account all the mitigating circumstances, do you still think Romar will be fired? Share your thoughts in the comments section.