Husky Roster Review: Yates Needs to Make UW Work for Him

The talented guard has struggled with injuries and inconsistency in his two seasons at Washington

Mar. 15, 2026 at 4:03pm

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Wesley Yates III, a 6-foot-4 guard from Beaumont, Texas, has had a tumultuous two-year tenure with the University of Washington men's basketball team. After arriving with high expectations, Yates has dealt with multiple foot and wrist injuries that have limited his playing time and production. Despite showing flashes of his scoring ability, Yates has struggled to find consistency, including a late-season shooting slump that saw him go just 18-of-70 from the field and 6-of-36 from 3-point range over the final five games.

Why it matters

Yates was once considered a potential one-and-done NBA prospect, but his inability to stay healthy and find a rhythm at Washington has derailed his college career thus far. The Huskies are hoping Yates can recapture his confidence and reach his full potential, as the team is in need of consistent scoring and perimeter play to compete in the Pac-12.

The details

Yates first suffered a foot injury as a freshman in 2024, which caused him to miss the entire season. He then re-injured the same foot the following year, preventing him from making his debut until midseason. After transferring to USC for the 2025 season, Yates returned to Washington this past year but was hampered by a wrist injury that caused him to miss six games. He then closed the season in a shooting slump, going just 18-of-70 from the field and 6-of-36 from 3-point range over the final five games.

  • Yates suffered a foot injury as a freshman in 2024, causing him to miss the entire season.
  • Yates re-injured the same foot the following year, preventing him from making his debut until midseason.
  • Yates transferred to USC for the 2025 season.
  • Yates returned to Washington for the 2026 season but was hampered by a wrist injury that caused him to miss six games.
  • Yates closed the 2026 season in a shooting slump, going just 18-of-70 from the field and 6-of-36 from 3-point range over the final five games.

The players

Wesley Yates III

A 6-foot-4 guard from Beaumont, Texas, who was once considered a potential one-and-done NBA prospect but has struggled with injuries and inconsistency in his two seasons at the University of Washington.

Mike Hopkins

The former head coach of the University of Washington men's basketball team, who recruited Yates to the program.

Danny Sprinkle

The current head coach of the University of Washington men's basketball team, who has been tasked with helping Yates find his footing and reach his potential.

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What they’re saying

“I felt super confident, super confident with my game the way it was going. I even felt I had a shot to go one-and-done.”

— Wesley Yates III, Player (SI.com)

“He's got to keep shooting. He's getting great looks. He's getting open looks.”

— Danny Sprinkle, Head Coach (SI.com)

What’s next

Yates and the Huskies will look to rebound from his late-season struggles and find a way to mesh together and share in some real basketball success in the upcoming season.

The takeaway

Yates' tenure at Washington has been defined by injuries and inconsistency, but the team and player remain committed to helping him reach his full potential. If Yates can stay healthy and regain his confidence, he could be a key piece for the Huskies as they look to compete in the Pac-12.