A former University of Washington basketball player says the program didn’t provide adequate nutrition, leaving him consistently hungry. Emmitt Matthews Jr. alleges he was given “lunchable size meals” despite repeated requests for more substantial portions.
His experience highlights a growing disparity in college athletics, contrasting sharply with the robust nutritional support now available to players at programs like the University of Houston.
Matthews’ Journey: From West Virginia to Seattle and Back
The difference in how college basketball players are fed today versus just four years ago is striking, and it’s not about Name, Image, and Likeness deals.
Matthews, known as “The Dooskie,” was a three-star recruit in the Class of 2018. He initially committed to West Virginia University over several other schools, including UConn, Boise State, Oregon State, and Georgetown.
During his first three seasons with the Mountaineers, the 6-foot-6 small forward averaged approximately 22 minutes per game, scoring around 6.5 points and grabbing 3.5 rebounds per game from 2018-2021.
Seeking a change, Matthews entered the transfer portal and returned to his hometown of Tacoma, Washington, to play for the Huskies.
However, his time in Seattle was brief, lasting only two semesters before he transferred back to West Virginia for his final year of eligibility. Now, three years removed from college, Matthews plays professionally in the G-League and streams on Twitch, amassing over 60,000 followers across X, TikTok, and Instagram.
The 26-year-old has expressed relief at being able to adequately feed himself as a professional athlete.
Insufficient Meals at Washington
Alan Bishop, the director of sports performance for the University of Houston men’s basketball team, recently shared photos of a post-game meal on January 14, 2026. The spread included two protein options, a nutrient-rich vegetable, a grain, and a fiber-rich fruit.
Matthews was impressed by the Houston team’s meal, noting a stark contrast to his experience at Washington during the 2021-22 season. “When I was at UW they were giving us lunchable size meals and getting mad at me for telling them it wasn’t enough food 😂,” he stated.
Someone named Susan recalled a conversation with Matthews about the weight he lost while playing at Washington after he returned to West Virginia, suggesting a direct link between inadequate nutrition and his weight loss.
It remains unclear whether the University of Washington has improved its nutritional offerings in recent years. While Matthews’ experience may be unique, he unequivocally stated that Houston’s current program provides significantly better nutrition than Washington did in 2022.
