Should Malik Dime play Senior Night?

Lorenzo Romar was noncommittal when asked about the status of Malik Dime for Saturday’s final home game against Arizona. Dime was suspended indefinitely when he went Three Stooges on Colorado Buffalo fans mouthing off.

Romar told the media that it will be a game day decision. Obviously, he is disappointed of Dime’s actions at Colorado.

Dime also has been out with a pinky injury since the Oregon State game in early January. But, it appears that he is physically ready to play.

It will be Dime’s last appearance at Alaska Airlines Arena. He was a Junior College transfer from Indian Hill CC in Iowa. He set the UW season record in blocks with 88 and made All-Pac 12 Defensive Team Honorable Mention. Dime provided an interior defensive presence as well as shooting almost 62% from the field last year. He averaged 6.9 points and 5.6 boards.

This year has been a step back for Dime since an impressive first year with the Huskies. In only 15 games, Dime is averaging 5.5 points, 4.9 rebounds and shooting 50% from the field.

Certainly, Dime’s decision to hit a Colorado fan was a bad decision. He sat out Thursday’s home game against Arizona State, a game the Dawgs lost 82-81.

One has to think that Dime has learned his lesson. While I understand a need for strict discipline and that Dime made a choice, a bad one, he should not be robbed of his last chance to play college basketball at home. I do not think nothing can be gained from preventing Dime one last chance to play in front of Husky fans.

In an age where college players are suspended just a half for more egregious offenses such as stopping on a player’s private parts, Dime’s indiscretion is laughable. He pretended to shake someone’s hand and then slapped the guy and hit the guy next to him. In the end, Dime apologized, the fans accepted and no injuries were reported, nor charges pressed. No sign of the fans lawyering up either so I doubt litigation is following.

Coach Romar has always had a special bond with his players. Even after they graduate, all of his players have defended him and genuinely seem to have liked playing for him. I think the decision is hard from a disciplinary standpoint but not from a practical standpoint. He’s served a two game suspension. From Romar’s comments, it sounds like Dime is a stand-up person that lost his cool. What else can be done? To show others he’s tough on discipline?

If Romar were to keep Dime suspended it would only be the latest setback for a coach that is on a hot, hot coaching seat.

The Huskies play Arizona at Alaska Airlines Arena at 5pm PT Saturday night.

ps - It’s the last time Husky fans will be able to see Markelle Fultz at home too. The Super Frosh is heading to the NBA (just a hunch) next year.