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- Washington
Wesley Yates III Shines in Comeback Game Against Northwestern
The sophomore guard scored 21 points and played lockdown defense to lead Washington to a 76-62 victory.
Feb. 1, 2026 at 11:15am
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After missing significant time due to a wrist injury and other setbacks, Washington sophomore guard Wesley Yates III returned to form in a big way against Northwestern. Yates scored 15 of his 21 points in the first half to give the Huskies a 12-point lead at the break, and he also played stifling defense on Northwestern's leading scorer Nick Martinelli, holding him to just 6 points in the first half. Yates has now hit 11 3-pointers over his last three games as he regains his early-season form that had him projected on NBA mock drafts.
Why it matters
Yates' return to health and productivity is a major boost for a Washington team that has struggled at times this season. With Yates playing at a high level, the Huskies have a chance to finish the season strong and potentially earn a postseason berth. His ability to score in bunches and lock down opposing scorers makes him a game-changing player when healthy.
The details
After missing significant time with a wrist injury suffered in December, Yates has slowly worked his way back to full strength. In Saturday's win over Northwestern, the 6-foot-4 sophomore was dominant, scoring 15 of his 21 points in the first half to give the Huskies a big lead. He also played lockdown defense on Northwestern's leading scorer Nick Martinelli, holding him to just 6 points in the first half. Over his last three games, Yates has hit 11 3-pointers, showing he has regained his early-season shooting touch that had him projected on NBA mock drafts.
- Yates suffered a wrist injury on December 19 against Seattle University.
- Yates returned to action in early January but missed more time due to an ankle sprain.
- Yates has played well in his last three games, including Saturday's win over Northwestern.
The players
Wesley Yates III
A sophomore guard for the University of Washington basketball team who missed significant time this season due to a wrist injury and other setbacks, but has recently returned to form as a scoring threat and lockdown defender.
Nick Martinelli
A 6-foot-7 forward for Northwestern University who was held to just 6 points in the first half by Yates' stifling defense. Martinelli came into the game as the nation's leading scorer at 24 points per game.
Danny Sprinkle
The head coach of the University of Washington men's basketball team, who praised Yates' return to health and productivity after the win over Northwestern.
What they’re saying
“He's been banged up all year and he's just now coming back and getting his legs. That's just who he is.”
— Danny Sprinkle, Head Coach, University of Washington Men's Basketball
“The coaches trusted me to take that matchup and I was all in for it.”
— Wesley Yates III
What’s next
With nine regular-season games and the Big Ten Tournament remaining, the Huskies will look to Yates to continue his strong play as they push for an NCAA or NIT berth.
The takeaway
Yates' return to full strength is a major boost for Washington, as his ability to score in bunches and play lockdown defense makes him a game-changing player. If he can stay healthy, the Huskies have a chance to finish the season strong and potentially earn a postseason bid.
