New Men’s Basketball Head Coach boasts deep roots with Husky Athletics
Danny Sprinkle has come full circle. The son of mid-’60s Husky defense back Bill Sprinkle, Danny grew up making the long drives from Helena, Montana, to Husky Stadium to watch games with his dad and best friend. Today, as the new Head Coach of Washington Men’s Basketball, the lauded leader says his Washington ties make this his dream job.
“I know the traditions here. I grew up in the Husky culture,” says the former Utah State and Montana State Head Coach, who turned around both teams in spectacular fashion before coming to the UW. “I was too young to really appreciate that drive with Pops, but he gave me the vision to be an athlete and be a coach someday. I wanted to be like my dad. This is all I ever wanted to do.”
The Montana State Hall of Fame basketball player and coach is determined and confident about building a winning culture at Washington by emphasizing three things: Discipline. Accountability. Ownership.
“Kids want discipline as long as they know you love them,” explains the 24-year college coaching veteran. “We teach accountability by example and by making sure every player brings positive energy to a fun, competitive environment. And we know that you become a championship program when players take ownership and have the tools to help each other.”
His success at Utah State wowed the collegiate sporting world. In just one season, he took the No. 20 Aggies to a 28-7 record, a conference championship, and an NCAA Tournament berth. He led Montana State to two consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and has an overall 109-50 record in four years as a head coach.
“We’ve won by recruiting high-character guys who fit how we want to operate, who want to represent the community, go to class, and be good citizens,” he says. “We are all privileged to play and coach this sport and we want them to appreciate that.”
Basketball is his life, Coach Sprinkle states.
“Every day, I wake up and feel the responsibility that Husky Nation has given me. I want to make you proud by doing things the right way and by respecting every donor’s investment in this team. I want you to know that these young men and this program are the most important things to me.”
