Husky Basketball Short-Timer Nitu Finds New Team

Christian Nitu, briefly a University of Washington basketball player, is the first from this past season's Husky team to choose a new school, picking McNeese State.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 9:33pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting the dynamic motion and energy of a college basketball game, with the players' forms broken down into abstract shapes and planes.A cubist interpretation of the unpredictable college basketball transfer landscape, where players like Christian Nitu can quickly change schools in search of a better fit.Lake Charles Today

Christian Nitu, a 6-foot-11 sophomore forward from Toronto, has officially closed the book on his abbreviated stay with the University of Washington basketball team. Nitu joined the Huskies last fall after leaving Florida State, but he met with a falling out with head coach Danny Sprinkle and left the team after just a month. Nitu has now committed to play for McNeese State, a program coming off a successful 28-6 season under first-year head coach Bill Armstrong.

Why it matters

Nitu's short tenure with the Huskies and quick departure highlights the volatility and unpredictability of the modern college basketball transfer landscape. His decision to join McNeese State, a mid-major program in the Southland Conference, also shows the diverse range of options available to players looking for a fresh start.

The details

Nitu joined the Huskies last fall after playing internationally in Europe and dealing with a toe injury. He met with the media shortly after arriving and spoke favorably about Sprinkle, who had recruited him. However, Nitu soon expressed a desire to redshirt the upcoming season, even as the Huskies dealt with injuries. Sprinkle became frustrated with Nitu's insistence on redshirting, and their relationship soured, leading to Nitu's departure from the team.

  • Nitu joined the University of Washington basketball team in the fall of 2025.
  • Nitu left the Huskies' team in November 2025, just a month after arriving.
  • Nitu has now committed to play for McNeese State for the 2026-27 season.

The players

Christian Nitu

A 6-foot-11 sophomore forward from Toronto who briefly played for the University of Washington before transferring to McNeese State.

Danny Sprinkle

The head coach of the University of Washington basketball team, who had a falling out with Nitu leading to his departure from the program.

Bill Armstrong

The first-year head coach of the McNeese State basketball team, which is coming off a successful 28-6 season.

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What they’re saying

“let's work !! #committed”

— Christian Nitu

The takeaway

Nitu's brief and tumultuous tenure with the Huskies highlights the unpredictable nature of the modern college basketball transfer landscape, where players can quickly change schools in search of a better fit. His decision to join McNeese State shows the diverse range of options available to players looking to restart their careers at the Division I level.