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Washington's Yates III Sees Chance for Something Special
Sophomore guard believes Huskies can make noise in Big Ten after tough January schedule
Jan. 31, 2026 at 10:47pm
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Washington Huskies sophomore guard Wesley Yates III is optimistic about the team's chances after navigating a brutal January schedule that saw them face five top-12 AP teams in 25 days. Yates scored a career-high 21 points in a win over Northwestern, and believes the Huskies are now positioned to make a push in the Big Ten standings and potentially earn an at-large NCAA Tournament berth.
Why it matters
The Huskies' ability to weather a challenging early conference slate could pay dividends later in the season, as they look to build on their recent success and make a surprise run in the Big Ten. Yates' confidence in the team's potential is an encouraging sign for a program seeking to return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in several years.
The details
In the postgame interview, Yates discussed his hot shooting night, overcoming a hand injury, and the team's defensive effort in limiting Northwestern's leading scorer Nick Martinelli. He expressed belief that the Huskies have the talent and resilience to do "something special" after emerging from the January gauntlet in better shape.
- The Huskies just went through a stretch of facing five top-12 AP teams in the last 25 days.
- Washington defeated Northwestern 76-62 on Saturday, February 1, 2026.
The players
Wesley Yates III
A sophomore guard for the Washington Huskies who scored a career-high 21 points in the win over Northwestern.
Nick Martinelli
The leading scorer for the Northwestern Wildcats, who was limited to four points below his nightly average in the loss to Washington.
What they’re saying
“I feel like we have a chance to do something special”
— Wesley Yates III, Sophomore guard
What’s next
The Huskies will look to build on their recent success as they continue Big Ten play, with an eye towards earning an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament.
The takeaway
Washington's ability to navigate a brutal early conference schedule has the team and its fans optimistic about the Huskies' potential to make a surprise run in the Big Ten and potentially earn an NCAA Tournament berth, led by the confident play of sophomore guard Wesley Yates III.
