Hopkins signs three to Huskies’ recruiting class

One day ahead of Friday’s season opener, University of Washington head basketball coach Mike Hopkins Thursday signed his first official recruiting class, adding 6-foot-2 guard Elijah Hardy, 6-6 small forward Jamal Bey and 6-11 forward Nate Roberts.

“Everyone that has committed to our program exemplifies the Husky spirit,” said Hopkins. “They are all tough, gritty and ready to get to work and that’s exactly what we were looking to get from this class. They will fit our program and we’re excited to have them join the family.”

Hardy, a four-star recruit from Oakland, is spending his prep career at Bishop O’Dowd High School and has been involved with USA Basketball. He was one of 17 finalists for the 2015 USA U16 Team and was named to the 2015-16 USA Junior National Team. As a sophomore, he averaged 12 ppg, 9 rpg  and 7 apg while receiving all-conference honors.

“Elijah is a dynamic point guard who has an amazing sense to pass and make others better,” said Hopkins. “He will be able to step in immediately.”

Bey comes to Seattle after spending his high school time at Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas. He averaged 18 points per game as a junior while shooting at a 46.2 percent clip. He also added 5.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists per outing.

“Jamal is a versatile wing player that comes from a winning pedigree,” said Hopkins. “He is a dynamic player with size that can get in the lane along with shooting the open three. He’s a multi-positional threat.”

Roberts spent last season at Brewster Academy in New Hampshire, where fellow teammate David Crisp went before attending UW. Roberts, who has a 7-6 wingspan, from Edgewood, MD.

“Nate’s size and strength is something we’re really excited about,” Hopkins said. “With his wing span and athleticism, he can run and jump out of the gym. He’s upside is huge.”

The Huskies open the campaign Friday at 7 p.m. Friday at Alaska Airlines Arena against Belmont of Nashville in the Ohio Valley Conference.