Montlake Welcomes the 6-Foot-7 Global Hoops Nomad
The University of Washington basketball program hosted 6-foot-7, 4-star forward Howard Williams on a campus visit, marking a return to domestic recruiting after chasing international prospects. A Chicago native, Williams has already suited up at Whitney Young High School, Oak Hill Academy, Dynamic Prep and, most recently, for the City Reapers in Overtime Elite. He’s drawn interest from Illini, Cal, FSU, South Carolina and UW, among others, and would join the Huskies in the 2027-28 season. Washington’s roster has shed most of its 2026 class—five newcomers last year, only two remain—so a recruit like Williams could serve as a short-term bridge while the coaching staff rebuilds.
Let’s be honest: when a program shifts from chasing overseas phenoms to begging a high schooler to show up in Seattle three years down the road, you know you’re starring in a college-athletics slapstick. Picture this: Danny Sprinkle furiously flipping through a Rolodex of international prospects, then halting mid-swipe with the desperate glare of a man who just realized his car’s on fire. “Yeah, call Howard—tell him we’ve got room on the bench, maybe a towel!” Meanwhile, Williams is racking up highlight-reel triples while the Huskies are scrambling to remember what “continuity” even means. It’s like hiring a Michelin star chef to microwave popcorn; thrilling if you enjoy watching chaos get an A for effort.
Texan Safety’s Spring Breakout Sparks Identity Crisis
Paul Mencke Jr., a third-year safety for the University of Washington, spent spring practices redefining himself under three different position coaches. Originally recruited by Chuck Morrell, he’s since worked under Vinnie Sunseri and now Taylor Mays. The 6-foot-3 Texan posted at least seven big plays—crunching hits, interceptions, tackles for loss—and earned first-team reps. Despite limited game action last season (mostly special teams in seven games), Mencke has firmly staked his claim on playing time. He remains behind veterans Alex McLaughlin and Rylon Dillard-Allen on the depth chart but is viewed as one of UW’s most improved players during spring ball.
Breaking news: Paul Mencke is having an epic identity crisis, and the Husky defense has become his therapy couch. One minute he’s the quiet kid who redshirted, the next he’s the dude piling up hits like he’s collecting Pokémon. Under three different coaches, he’s learned three different safeties’ philosophies—one part Swiss Army knife, one part confused chameleon. He’s like a football character arc in fast-forward, starring in his own sitcom: “Mencke’s Many Coaches.” Stay tuned next week for the sequel, when he tries kicking field goals under a fourth coach who insists he’s actually a kicker masquerading as a safety. TV Gold!
football,basketball
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