Terrell Brown Jr., Emmitt Matthews Jr., Samuel Ariyibi Added To Husky Men’s Basketball Roster

Per the University of Washington Press Release…

April 30, 2021

SEATTLE – University of Washington head coach Mike Hopkins has added transfers Terrell Brown, Jr. (Arizona), and Emmitt Matthews, Jr. (West Virginia), along with Samuel Ariyibi (NBA Africa Academy) to the Husky family, the program announced Friday. All three will be immediately eligible for the 2021-22 season.

“This is a group of guys that strive to be excellent in all areas of their life, which is going to be a great addition to our program,” said Hopkins. “They’re committed to winning, getting better and impacting those around them on and off the court. Their sense of family and community is what we’re looking for in a student-athlete and these three fit the bill perfectly. It’s also especially meaningful to have two local standouts join our team and represent the state. We’re excited for them to get here in Seattle and hit the ground running.”

Brown Jr., lands at Washington after stops at Shoreline Community College, Seattle University and most recently Arizona. Originally from Seattle, the 6-1 guard out of Garfield High School, has racked up numerous accolades during his career and is coming to UW after finishing second in the nation in assist to turnover ratio this past season. He dished out 90 assists to just 23 turnovers for a 3.91 ratio which also led the Pac-12.

At Seattle U, Brown was a First Team NABC All-District 6 selection, named First Team All-WAC, a three-time WAC Player of the Week and the only Redhawk to start all 29 games. He led the team with 20.7 points per game, which also ranked 20^th in the nation. Brown reached double-figure scoring in all but one game and surpassed 20 points 16 times while hitting a career-high 31 points in four games. In his first year at SU, he was named to the WAC All-Newcomer Team and the All-WAC Second Team. He averaged a team-high 14.1 ppg on 45.1 shooting while pulling down 6.8 rebounds.

“Terrell brings an incredible level of leadership, toughness, professionalism and experience to our program,” said Hopkins. “He’s a proven winner with a talented skill set that will have a positive impact for us on the court. Not only has he shown that he can score at the highest level, but he’s showcased his ability to manage a floor effectively with his impressive assist to turnover ratio. Terrell is all about putting in the work and he’s earned everything in his life with a chip on his shoulder. He fits the culture of our university, our basketball program and our city perfectly.”

During his one season at Shoreline CC, he was the NWAC Freshman of the Year, All-Defensive Team and led the league in scoring with 30 points per game and 79 steals. In his high school days at Garfield, he was a three-year varsity letterwinner and helped Garfield win back-to-back state championships in 2014 and 2015.

Matthews Jr., comes to Montlake after spending the last three years at West Virginia under Bob Huggins. He will have two years of eligibility remaining in Seattle. The 6-7 lengthy forward, originally from Tacoma, Wash., saw action in 92 games including 67 starts while averaging 21.0 minutes. Matthews shot 40.2 percent from the field and averaged 6.4 points and 3.5 rebounds during his three years. He saw his numbers gradually improve each season finishing last year with a 7.7 ppg average and a career-best 25.9 minutes per game, starting in 25 of 29 games played.

A three-time Academic All-Big 12 Men’s Basketball Selection (Rookie Team – 2019, First Team 2020, Second-Team 2021), Matthews helped the Mountaineers both on and off the court. Most recently, WVU advanced to the 2021 NCAA Second Round and was ranked as high as sixth nationally during the season while finishing second in the Big 12 Championship game.

“Emmitt, another proven winner, has produced at the highest level against the top competition in the country and is just the ultimate professional,” added Hopkins. “He’s a long, athletic, experienced wing that is an unbelievable defensive player which will impact us right away. His potential offensively is limitless and he’s going influence the game in all areas on both ends of the court. Not only is his rebounding and production elite, he’s got an incredible motor to go along with his outstanding skill set.”

Matthews competed at Woodrow Wilson High school in Tacoma, leading his team in the state playoffs for three-straight seasons. He was the 2017-18 All-Area Player of the Year and the 3A Pierce County League MVP along with being named the 3A Senior State Player of the year from the Washington Coaches’ Association. He finished as Woodrow Wilson’s all-time winningest player (80 wins), 1, 614 points and 744 rebounds.

Ariyibi, originally from Nigeria, has the longest journey to Alaska Airlines Arena as he comes from the NBA Africa Academy as a 6-8 small forward with a 6-11 wingspan. This is the first international recruit for Coach Hopkins and he brings a wealth of experience with him. Along with being the MVP of the 2019 Basketball without Borders Tournament in Senegal, Ariyibi has played against some of the top international talent in Africa in the Academy.

“Samuel is a 6-7 long, athletic player who thrives on the defensive end and continues to improve in every area of his game,” said Hopkins. “He’s an explosive wing that is ready to contribute at the highest level in collegiate basketball and comes from a program in the NBA Africa Academy that has him fully prepared to succeed on and off the court. Samuel is a student of the game, constantly watching film and doing all the right things to continue to grow his talent.”