Kentucky and Washington were the only 2 programs to have multiple players taken in the 1^st round of the 2016 NBA Draft. John Calipari & Kentucky sent G Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets, 7th) F/C Skal Labissiere (Phoenix Suns, 28th), while Lorenzo Romar & the University of Washington sent Marquese Chriss (Phoenix Suns, 8^th) and DeJounte Murray (San Antonio Spurs, 29^th). Oddly enough, both Kentucky players went a pick before the Washington players did.  Anyways, my buddy sent me a segment of Colin Cowherd’s radio/TV show, he was talking about Lorenzo Romar, so I immediately perked up. When he said Lorenzo Romar is the worst college coach I fell out of my chair! Once I picked myself up off the floor it took me a couple minutes to regain my composure. Did I hear him right? Worst college coach? C’mon bruh, take that hot take shit someplace else. I can reasonably surmise his 289-174 record doesn’t qualify him for worst coach status, but hey, I could be looking at this through purple & gold tinted glasses. Now, if Colin had phrased this better I might have agreed with him. Maybe if he had said something to the effect of, Coach Romar’s position should be under intense scrutiny because he continuously signs top level recruits, but hasn’t made the NCAA tournament in 5 years, we could have a conversation about it. This was not the case. Instead, he went the “shock jock” route and said “that’s a guy who can recruit, but can’t coach,” in reference to Lorenzo Romar.

I have a fundamental problem with the reasons Cowherd gave in regards to his argument. First, he brought up all the recent Huskies drafted in the 1^st round and raved about how good they are. Uh, I hate to break it to you, but Terrance Ross is average at best. He is coming up on his 5^th NBA season and has only ever averaged double digit PPG’s once. Tony Wroten has all the physical gifts, but for the life of him cannot shoot 3’s. His lack of a reliable 3-point shot has basically crippled his once promising career. While there is still time for him to salvage his career, he has to improve his abysmal career 23% from 3. Don’t get me started on C.J. Wilcox. The poor kid has only played in 268 total minutes during his 2-year career with the Clippers. I’m not saying they are terrible NBA players; I’m just annoyed with Cowherd’s assessment about how great these players from Washington really are.

He went on to mention how terrible the Pac-12 conference was. If I’m not mistaken, the Pac-12, as a whole, is 4^th all-time with 244 total bids. In this past NCAA tournament the Pac-12 tied with the ACC, Big Ten and Big 12 for most teams in the field at 7. I don’t know how many games Colin is watching but it clearly isn’t enough. The only thing I can think of is maybe he watched one too many WSU games (they went 1-17 during conference play).

I can’t deny Lorenzo Romar has massively underachieved over these past 5 NCAA tourney-less seasons. He has had the full backing of the athletic department, boosters and fans, but the ice is wearing thin. In my heart of hearts, I feel this will be his last season if he doesn’t make the field of 64, especially with super Freshman and potential number 1 pick, Markelle Fultz, leading the Dawgs. I’m a little more patient with him because UW basketball wouldn’t be where they are today without his leadership, vision and guidance. I have had this conversation with multiple UW fans and they are all over the place. Some want him to stay, while others want him out. I don’t mind what side of the fence you fall on, but please, show Coach Romar the respect he deserves.