Roberts picks Washington over Syracuse, Nebraska

Washington strengthened its 2018 class on Tuesday thanks to the commitment of 6-foot-9 power forward Nate Roberts. A slender but talented prospect that can develop into a major force, Roberts is another quality addition for first-year head coach Mike Hopkins.

Down to a final three of UW, Syracuse and Nebraska, Roberts’ commitment gives the Huskies a skilled and talented power forward that can play in a variety of capacities. A lefty with a solid 17-foot jumper and an athletic finisher who can put the ball on the floor some, Roberts fits the type of big man prospect that the new staff in Seattle has been looking for: a capable defender that can play more than one position and on either side of the floor.

Making it official to UW on Tuesday, Roberts spoke about the idea of starting something in Seattle.

"Coach Hop put his plan on the table for where he wants the program to be in the upcoming years and how he sees me being a major part in it," he said. "The city is beautiful and the campus is really nice. The players, coaches and staff treated me like we knew each other for years. It is like a close-knit family all around."

Finishing his prep career at the super talented Brewster Academy program, Roberts becomes the third east coast commitment for Hopkins since taking over in April. Hopkins landed 2017 wing-forwards Hameir Wright and Nahziah Carter in his first class.

The fourth commitment in the 2018 class for the Huskies, Roberts will join a quality group of talented and versatile prospects in Seattle next fall. Productive and athletic wing Jamal Bey and long shot-maker Ed Chang take up slots on the wing, as Elijah Hardy, a quick and tough playmaker, will help fill a void in the backcourt. The Huskies remain heavily in the mix for Rivals150 four-star center Bryan Penn-Johnson.