Written By The NBA Draft is one of the most exciting and highly anticipated moments in sports each year. And this year, Washington’s own Matisse Thybulle made history as the first player drafted from the Huskies in almost a decade. Matisse Thybulle is an exceptionally talented basketball player with a knack for defense and court vision. But his journey to the pros started long before he was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers. So let’s take a look at Matisse Thybulle, his story, and what makes him such an amazing talent.
Matisse Thybulle’s Early Life and Basketball Career
Matisse Thybulle was born on July 18, 1996, in Seattle, Washington. His father is of French Canadian descent and his mother is African American. Thybulle grew up playing basketball and football. He attended Nathan Hale High School in Seattle, where he was a three-sport star athlete. As a senior, he led the Raiders to the state championship game in basketball and was named the state’s Gatorade Player of the Year.
Thybulle then played college basketball at the University of Washington. He was a key player for the Huskies, helping them reach the NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen in 2017. Thybulle was named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year as a junior and senior. He finished his college career as Washington’s all-time leader in blocks (206) and steals (279).
Thybulle was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 20th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. He is expected to make an immediate impact on defense for his new team. Thybulle has said that he models his game after NBA All-Stars Andre Iguodala and Draymond Green.
His Time at Washington
Since being drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019, Matisse Thybulle has quickly made a name for himself as one of the best defenders in the NBA. But before he was shutting down the league’s best players, he was a star at Washington, where he helped lead the Huskies to two NCAA Tournament appearances.
Thybulle originally committed to play at the University of Washington after receiving interest from several other colleges. As a freshman, he immediately made an impact on the court, averaging 9.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.4 steals per game. His defensive prowess was on full display during his sophomore season, when he set a school record with 111 steals and was named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year.
During his junior year, Thybulle took his game to another level, becoming one of the best all-around players in the country. He averaged 12.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 3.2 steals per game while leading Washington to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in nine years. His stellar play earned him First-Team All-Pac-12 honors and helped him cement his status as an NBA prospect.
After three successful seasons at Washington, Thybulle decided to forgo his senior year and declare for the NBA Draft. He was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 20th overall pick and has since become one of the team’s most important players.
His Transition to the NBA
Matisse Thybulle’s transition to the NBA has been a long time coming. The Washington product spent four years in college, honing his skills and developing his game. And now, at the age of 22, he’s finally ready to take his talents to the next level.
Thybulle was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 20th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. He’s expected to compete for a spot in the rotation and could see significant minutes as a rookie.
The 76ers are a perfect fit for Thybulle. They’re a young team on the rise with plenty of opportunity for him to contribute. Additionally, they have a need for his defensive prowess and three-point shooting.
Thybulle is one of the most intriguing rookies in this year’s class. He has the potential to be a difference-maker on both ends of the court. It’ll be exciting to see how he develops over the course of his rookie season.
What to Expect from Matisse Thybulle in the Future
As a rookie, Matisse Thybulle is still adjusting to the NBA game and figuring out what he can do at the pro level. However, there are some things that we can expect from him in the future. First, Thybulle is an excellent defender and has the potential to be one of the best perimeter defenders in the league. He has great length and quickness, which allows him to stay in front of his man and make it difficult for them to score. Additionally, Thybulle is a very good rebounder for his position and has shown the ability to grab boards in traffic. This should continue as he gains more experience and gets stronger. Secondly, Thybulle is a very good shooter and has already shown that he can knock down threes at a high clip. He shot over 40% from three-point range in college, and there’s no reason to believe that he can’t do it at the NBA level. His shooting will open up driving lanes for himself and his teammates, and it will also make him a tough cover for opposing defenses. Finally, Thybulle is a high-energy player who always seems to be around the ball. He’s constantly hustling on both ends of the floor, which is something that every team needs. His energy will be contagious, and it will help his team win games.
Conclusion
To sum up, it’s easy to see why Matisse Thybulle is a highly sought-after NBA rookie. He has overcome much adversity and worked tirelessly to be in the position he currently finds himself in and his success story is an inspiration for all aspiring athletes. With his mix of athleticism, defensive prowess, leadership skills and hard work ethic, he has been able to make a name for himself as one of the top rookies in the entire league. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this rising star!
