Washington Women’s Basketball Welcomes David Adkins as Associate Head Coach
Tina Langley, the head coach of Washington women’s basketball, has appointed David Adkins as the new associate head coach, succeeding Katie Faulkner. Faulkner, who joined Langley at Montlake in 2021, recently departed to assume the role of women’s head basketball coach at Pepperdine.
Expressing his enthusiasm for joining the Washington program, Adkins stated in a UW release, “I am extremely excited and grateful to join this Washington program! Knowing Tina for years, I’ve seen her ability to coach the game at an elite level and transform cultures and programs. She has a gift for strategy and developing players that is unmatched in college basketball. What she has done at Washington is just extraordinary. If you look at the success, the caliber of this university, and the character of the people here, there is no better place to be. I’m thrilled to be part of a program on the rise and help support Coach Langley’s vision.”
Having spent the last decade working with NBA teams, Adkins reunites with Langley, with whom he previously worked at Maryland under Terrapins coach Brenda Frese from 2009 to 2014.
In response to Adkins joining the coaching staff, Langley praised his coaching prowess, stating, “David is one of the great coaches in our game and a tremendous basketball mind. He possesses an elite work ethic, passion, and extensive knowledge of the game that have impacted NBA and college programs for years. He has worked with some of the highest caliber players in the world and stands out in his commitment to bringing out the best in them. There is no doubt that he will help equip our young women to play at the highest level.”
Jayda Noble Joins Cal; Ari Long Transfers to Oregon
After a successful four-year stint at Washington, senior guard Jayda Noble has signed with former Pac-12 rival California. Golden Bears coach Charmin Smith expressed her excitement about Noble’s addition, highlighting her veteran presence and experience in one of the top women’s basketball conferences. Smith emphasized Noble’s defensive prowess, anticipating her impact on the team’s backcourt and leadership role for both returning players and incoming freshmen.
Noble, a 5-foot-11 defensive standout from Spokane, posted averages of 3.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.2 blocks while starting 57 of 86 games at UW. She received Pac-12 All-Defensive Team honorable mention for the 2022-23 season and retains one year of eligibility due to the additional COVID year.
In a separate move, freshman guard Ari Long from Washington has transferred to Oregon. Long, a highly regarded four-star recruit from Moreno Valley, Calif., ranked 46th nationally among 2023 prospects by ESN. Despite limited playing time last season, she showcased her potential with notable performances, including a career-high 18 points in a game against North Carolina Central. With three years of eligibility remaining, Long’s move to Oregon opens a new chapter in her collegiate basketball career.
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