The junior plays great defense, has a 7-foot wingspan and “he’s got incredible anticipation,” coach Mike Hopkins says.
With his arms spread wide, Matisse Thybulle, the first obstacle in Washington’s 2-3 zone defense, looks like a giant spider in basketball shorts and sneakers.
The 6-foot-5 junior guard expands his radius when he extends his 7-foot wingspan. He bounces slightly while reading the eyes and body language of an opposing player — ready to intercept a pass and take it to the other end for a signature two-hand dunk.
“I like to play a little free safety and pick off the passes,” Thybulle said.