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Washington

Mike Hopkins admits games are getting more physical

20200517_134556by:Justin Rudolph•02/20/23
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during a first-round game of the Pac-12 basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena on March 7, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Beavers won 69-66 in overtime.

The Washington Huskies have had a tough time in conference play this year, sitting towards the bottom of the conference at 7-10. The Huskies head coach, Mike Hopkins, believes that it is because of a change in the mentality of officiating in the Pac-12. Following Washington’s 61-47 victory over Oregon State on Saturday, Hopkins admitted that he believes the officials are letting the games be more physical.

“Listen, it’s hard to be a referee. I always think it’s exceptionally hard to be a coach; it’s hard to win games. But those guys, it’s a thankless job. But I will tell you, it’s been a lot more physical in college basketball this year,” said Hopkins.

“Coaches always complain. I’ve done it on my end; you’re like, gosh, they’ve come to the foul line 12 times to our two, or it’s eight fouls to two… most important to me, is that the just the players are protected. And these guys are professionals, and they know how to toe the line and understand that. But it is a physical game. I kept telling guys; listen, don’t anticipate calls. Play through contact. As long as it’s even, I’m good.

Against Oregon State, Washington got the benefit of calls from the officials. The Huskies ended the game with a 19-11 advantage in files called, resulting in 19 trips to the free throw line compared to the Beaver’s 7.

Hopkins ‘really proud’ of Washington players staying dedicated

Washington‘s season is slowly coming to an end. Head coach Mike Hopkins made sure to take a moment after Saturday’s win over Oregon State 61-47 at home to discuss the pride he feels toward his team’s work ethic this season.

“We’ve had our ups and down, but they’ve stayed with it,” Hopkins said about his team this season. “They kept getting better, kept being coached, kept a positive attitude, kept playing hard and we’re finding ways [to win]. That’s what I’m really proud of.”

The win improved his team to 15-13 on the season, but still leaves Washington ranked No. 116 in the current NET rankings. Add in their 2-10 record against Quad 1 opponents this season, and their NCAA Tournament chances are almost impossible. You can tell by Hopkins’ tone of voice that he knows it’s too little, too late for his team’s postseason hopes barring an improbable Pac-12 Tournament run.