Center Sam Timmins, a 6-foot-10 center from New Zealand, is the latest addition to a wholesale remake of the University of Washington’s basketball team by coach Lorenzo Romar. Timmins 17, who signed a national letter of intent Wednesday, won’t begin play until 2016-17.
“I am thrilled to be joining the University of Washington and can’t wait to play for Coach Romar,” Timmins said in a school release. “I’m excited by his plans for the program, how he sees me fitting into those plans and his commitment to helping me to reach my potential as a player.
“My final decision was a no-brainer when you throw in what a great academic school Washington is, the beauty of Seattle and the state of Washington, which has similarities to the South Island of New Zealand, and my dream of playing in the Pac-12 Conference.”
“We’re ecstatic to have Sam join our program,” said Romar. “At 6-10, 250 pounds, he is a rare find in that he is a true center that is skilled and can score on the block. He also will bring additional toughness to our team. ”
After Washington missed the NCAA tourney for a fourth consecutive season, four players transferred, including star guard Nigel Williams-Goss. The Huskies have 10 eligible players for the fall: Three returnees — Andrew Andrews, Quevyn Winters and Donaven Dorsey and seven newcomers — Dejounte Murray, Matisse Thybulle, David Crisp, Marquese Chriss, Malik Dime, Devenir Duruisseau and Dominic Green.
Timmins led Otago Boys High School to the National Schools Championship in 2014, earning tournament MVP honors. He went up against Kentucky signee Tai Wynyard in the semifinals.
Timmins is currently playing in the New Zealand National Basketball League, where he has amateur status with the Canterbury Rams, coached by former UNLV All-America selection Mark Dickel (1996-2000). Timmins previously played in the NZNBL for the Otago Nuggets.
The center comes from an athletic family. His father, Brendon Timmins, was a top rugby player in New Zealand from 1992-2002.
2 Comments
Interesting addition to the team. I read he’s even played against NBA players while with the National Team so hopefully he can contribute quickly.
He’s 6’10” and 260 pounds and hasn’t even turned 18 yet, so Timmins will add size inside if nothing else.
With only ten eligible players on the roster for next season (and only three returnees), Romar may need to bring in a couple of Juco transfers for SOME experience. Fans already prone to criticizing Romar need to understand this may be the youngest team in UW history and it’ll probably take time for the players to “get” it, but I won’t hold my breath.