A strategic addition to the bench
Danny Sprinkle, the head coach of the Washington Huskies, revealed this week that Charles Klask will join his coaching staff as an assistant. The move comes as part of a broader effort to reshape the program’s infrastructure and push the team back into the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2019.
Klask arrives with a deep résumé in professional basketball. A graduate of Michigan State University in 1999, he began his NBA journey as a video coordinator with the Detroit Pistons before spending a decade scouting for the Orlando Magic, where he worked alongside coaches such as Doc Rivers and Stan Van Gundy.
His eight‑year stint with the Denver Nuggets proved pivotal, as he contributed to the development of Nikola Jokić, the league’s two‑time MVP, and was part of the championship‑winning squad in 2023. Klask has also coached a parade of All‑Star talent, including Blake Griffin, Chauncey Billups and Andre Drummond, underscoring his ability to nurture elite players.
A staff built on familiarity and experience
The new arrangement is not Klask’s first connection to the Huskies. Alongside him, former UW guard Abdul Gaddy, ex‑Husky forward Quincy Pondexter, and longtime associate head coach Andy Hill all remain on the staff. DeAndre Haynes, a former Marquette assistant, was added earlier this offseason, and veteran Rick Carlisle is also listed among the support group.
Sprinkle emphasized that the blend of seasoned NBA minds with former players creates a unique environment for growth. He noted that the current roster features seven juniors and seniors, a mix that should mesh well with Klask’s developmental philosophy and the program’s ambition to compete at the highest level.
Looking ahead
With the coaching staff now fully assembled, the Huskies enter the 2026‑27 season poised to leverage Klask’s championship pedigree and scouting acumen. The ultimate goal is clear: return the program to the NCAA Tournament and restore the momentum that has been missing for several years.