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Washington kicks talented shot blocking big man off the team

2014 MGM Grand Showcase Basketball Event - Oklahoma v Washington

Robert Upshaw (Getty Images)

Getty Images

Robert Upshaw, Andrew Andrews

AP Photo

AP

Washington suffered a major loss on Monday night as the school announced the dismissal of junior big man Robert Upshaw.

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The 7-foot transfer from Fresno State was averaging 10.9 points and 8.2 rebounds per game in nearly 25 minutes a contest for the Huskies. Averaging an astounding 4.4 blocks per game, Upshaw is one of the most talented rim protectors in the nation and is a major defensive loss for the Huskies.

Without Upshaw on the team, Washington (14-5, 3-4 Pac-12) is likely an NIT team as they’ve struggled in Pac-12 play so far. Upshaw’s loss leaves an already thin front court without its most talented big man and the junior was also shooting 59 percent from the field.

The former four-star recruit was also dismissed from Fresno State in Aug. 2013. Upshaw was twice suspended during his freshman season with the Bulldogs and also battled a knee injury.

This might be the last time we hear from Robert Upshaw in college basketball. The 7-footer has an elite skill that NBA teams covet as a shot blocker and Draft Express currently has him as the No. 19 pick in the first round of their 2015 mock draft. A second dismissal from a team might significantly hurt Upshaw’s NBA Draft stock but there is no doubting his talent and upside as an interior defender.

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