Lorenzo Romar’s recruiting skills top-notch, but UW coach hasn’t yielded recent results

You have to think that the wider Lorenzo Romar’s smile got Thursday, the worse it made him look. As the Washington basketball coach’s spirits brightened, his public image grew murkier.

For the second time in five years, two of Romar’s players were drafted in the first round — and you just know he was thrilled. Problem is, it happened three months after his team missed the NCAA tournament for the fifth straight season.

Sorry, but at this point one must wonder whether Romar has the coaching chops to elevate the Huskies to the top of the Pac-12. His recruiting skills are Grade A, but they have not been yielding results.

And while a UW fan would be justified in extolling Romar’s ability to get his diaper dandies dollars, one can’t help but ask the following: How has this benefited Washington?

This is a tough column to write, because on one hand, Thursday night should be cause for celebration. Big man Marquese Chriss was selected eighth overall and guard Dejounte Murray went 29th.

Only two other schools — Kentucky and Vanderbilt — produced a pair of first-rounders this year. But those two programs have made a combined six NCAA tournaments after 2011. The Huskies have made zilch.

That isn’t to say that one assigned to defend Romar would be without a case. A coach who can land NBA talent — particularly at the lottery level — is something most athletic directors around the country covet. And since 2005, Lorenzo has thrusted 12 players into The League and watched two of them (Brandon Roy and Isaiah Thomas) become All-Stars.

It’s hard to think of many coaches who would replace Romar and have the same juice with some of the nation’s best players. But a coach’s job isn’t to churn out distinguished alumni — it’s to churn out wins.

The other argument one can make on Romar’s behalf is that he didn’t actually squander talent. Chriss and Murray were drafted on upside, not refined skill, which relieves Romar of some of the responsibility.

LSU’s Ben Simmons, one of the more hyped hoopers in years, went No. 1 overall but also failed to make the Dance. College basketball is a team game, and unless you have a starting five made up of future pros, it’s usually an experienced team’s game.

Still, it’s a bit disquieting when the talent keeps rolling through Montlake and the W’s remain scarce. Don’t forget that the Huskies also had the leading scorer in the Pac-12 last season in senior Andrew Andrews.

Five years ago, Terrence Ross and Tony Wroten went eighth and 25th in the draft after UW missed out on a tourney bid, and two years ago, C.J. Wilcox was selected 28th.

What is there to suggest that this cycle is going to end?

Star power in college basketball is nice, but it isn’t necessary. Michigan State made the tournament every year from 2007 to 2013 without producing a first-round pick. Wisconsin did the same thing from 2008-14. Reigning NCAA champion Villanova has reached the Dance in all but one season since 2007, yet the Wildcats have had no first-rounders to show for it.

As a fan, wouldn’t you prefer a program like one of those?

This isn’t to say that top-tier talent can’t lead to championships. In fact, schools such as Duke, Kentucky and Kansas have leaned on the one-and-done types for the past 10 years or so.

This isn’t to say there isn’t still great potential for Romar and the Huskies, either. Projected lottery pick Markelle Fultz is coming to Washington this fall, and fellow five-star recruit Michael Porter Jr. has UW on his short list for 2017.

With the young core the Huskies have returning, there is certainly reason for hope for next season and beyond. But given the shortcomings of late, there is just as much reason for doubt.

You can’t look at some of the things Romar has done at Washington and not give him credit. In the 50 seasons preceding his hire in 2002, the Huskies had reached six NCAA tournaments. Romar has reached six by himself.

Even so, it’s hard not to think UW fans don’t feel the way Murray did late in the first round Thursday.

They’re waiting. They’re waiting desperately.