New additions on and off the court
The Washington Huskies made major moves on Wednesday. They finalized their 2026-27 roster by securing 6-foot-7 guard Harun Zrno, their fifth transfer from the portal and the fifth international player to join the team. Zrno, who previously played for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, added depth to the growing global influence of the program.
Just hours later, UW announced the hiring of Charles Klask as an assistant coach. Klask, who has worked under some of the most respected names in the NBA, brings decades of experience to a young team aiming for consistency.
A deep NBA background
Klask’s resume spans over two decades in the NBA, with stops at the Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Brooklyn Nets, and Denver Nuggets. He has served in roles from video coordinator to assistant coach, learning under legends like Jason Kidd, Doc Rivers, and Mike Malone. His most recent stint was with the Nuggets from 2018 to 2026, where he was part of a staff that helped guide Nikola Jokic to multiple MVP honors.
Klask’s history includes work with Hall of Famers like Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, as well as defensive standout Dwight Howard. His extensive experience in player development and strategy is expected to help bridge the gap between college and pro basketball in real-time.
A fresh start for a struggling program
The Huskies have struggled in recent years. They have not made the NCAA tournament since the 2018-19 season, despite winning the Pac-12 regular season title in 2019. Head coach Danny Sprinkle, entering his third season, took over after the program left the Pac-12 for the Big Ten.
Sprinkle has yet to lead the team to a winning season, posting records of 13-18 and 16-17 in his first two campaigns. With Klask joining a staff that includes five transfer additions and nine new recruits, the Huskies hope to gain the edge needed to compete in a challenging conference.