As if a sixth consecutive defeat at Colorado was not frustrating enough for the Washington Huskies, the fact that Malik Dime has been suspended for his participation in an off-court incident with a fan during the game makes matters even worse. The Huskies forward is believed to have slapped a male fan immediately after the halftime buzzer, remaining on the bench for the second half as a result. The Senegalese native later apologized to the supporters, who have decided against pressing criminal charges.
Following the 81-66 defeat at Colorado, Head coach Lorenzo Romar now faces a huge battle to ensure that his team feature in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. With Dime now suspended indefinitely, their latest poor run of form is likely to cost them a place at their first March Madness since 2011, as Bettingsports.com currently back Gonzaga, Duke and Kansas as the favorites to win the tournament, as well as providing all the latest betting odds ahead of the tournament.
It is certainly a difficult period for Romar, who having led the Huskies to six NCAA Tournament appearances in nine years, is under pressure from all areas having lost 15 games or more for the fifth consecutive season.
It is perhaps only the form of Markelle Fultz that has been pleasing for Huskies fans this season, with the point guard expected to head to the NBA for next season. The 18-year-old is among the biggest prospects for the 2017 draft, with the freshman expected to head to either the Boston Celtics or Los Angeles Lakers. Having made a name for himself as one of the finest dribble-shooters of his age under the guidance of Romar, either a first or second round pick would not come as a surprise.
Fultz has already demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure, making it even more disappointing that we are unlikely to see him at March Madness. Should Washington miss out on the iconic tournament, Michael Porter Jr. and the rest of the 2017 recruiting class will be under pressure, as the Huskies look to get back on track following a disappointing period for the team. With the likes of Nate Robinson, Brandon Roy, Quincy Pondexter and Isaiah Thomas all having go on to achieve great things under the leadership of Romar, it remains to be seen as to who will be the next high profile recruit at Washington.