Seattle, WA – The San Diego Toreros left sunny Southern California for rainy Seattle to face the Washington Huskies in a non-conference battle last night. The Toreros were looking to improve their record to 6-6 before beginning West Coast Conference play next week. Although 7-4 so far, the Huskies have been dealing with injuries and nursing a loss last Friday to cross-town rival, Seattle University. Led by senior point guard, Brayden Maldonado, the Redhawks beat the Huskies for the second year in a row. Maldonado is having an outstanding season under Coach Chris Victor.
The Toreros climbed out of a 7-0 deficit to take an 11-10 lead. The Huskies responded with a three-pointer from the left corner. It was smooth sailing thereafter. The Huskies dominated points in the paint, points off turnovers, and points in transition. Three-point shooting, ironically, since it sealed the victory early, was the only rough edge. Washington was 5-of-21 from behind the arc. They’re now 6-of-36 in the last two games. They’ll need to find their three-point range soon. The Huskies easily won 86-56 over the visiting Toreros.
Leading the Huskies was freshman Hannes Steinbach. In his ninth game as a Husky, the former German Bundesliga professional scored 21 points (6-13 FG, 1-3 3PT, 8-10 FT), and added 14 rebounds, one assist, three steals, and two blocks in 27 minutes. He also drew nine fouls while committing none. Steinbach has terrific instincts, footwork, and polish. He finishes through contact at the rim and creates his own shots off the low post-up. He’s a reliable roller. Steinbach shoots over 50% from three on low volume—approximately one attempt per game. He’ll become an even greater offensive threat as he continues to develop from long-range. Steinbach’s averaging 1.17 points per possession on a 67% true shooting percentage. He’s a great passer for a big man and takes care of the ball. His assist to turnover ratio sits at 1.27.
Steinbach anchors the Husky defense. He disrupts shots in the paint and rotates effectively to help his teammates. He’s not an elite mover laterally but uses his basketball intelligence and strength to position himself in the right spot and to contain quicker guards coming off ball screens. Steinbach’s an excellent rebounder averaging a dozen boards per game. He outlets the ball immediately to initiate the Washington’s transition offense and runs the floor on the break. Steinbach projects as a first round NBA draft pick.
Having only just arrived in the United States two weeks ago, Nikola Dzepina has already made an impression. The Serbian, who most recently played for Valencia Basket in Spain, scored 7 points (2-7 FG, 1-5 3PT, 2-2 FT) and added 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and one block in 20 minutes. He’s a modern big who can stretch the floor with his perimeter shooting and physicality inside. Keep an eye on him.
Adrian McIntyre and Juanse Gorosito chipped in 15 points apiece for San Diego. Notably absent from the starting lineup was Toneari Lane. The 6’5, 205-pound guard comes to San Diego as a graduate student after time spent at Winthrop and Georgia State. At Georgia State last year, he averaged 13.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. His stats are down slightly through the first 11 games of this season but he’s more efficient (1.17 vs. 0.96 points per possession) and shooting better (62% vs 52% true shooting percentage). Against Washington, the left-handed Lane knocked down a three-pointer from the right wing a few seconds after first entering the game at the 12-minute mark but didn’t get many touches the rest of the night. Lane finished with 5 points (2-4 FG, 1-2 3PT), two rebounds and one assist. He’s a high-motor guy who could fill a mid-market slot overseas.
Next up the Huskies play Utah at home before battling Indiana and Purdue on the road in Big10 action. Husky fans remain optimistic that the purple and gold can return March Madness to Montlake. Right now, bracketologists give the Dawgs a 1 in 3 chance of an at-large bid.
This article was written by Justin Pallari, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.
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