Leading up to the 2009 NIT Season Tip Off on November 16th, Pickin’ Splinters will be counting down the top 25 of the college hardwood nation.
‘08 – ’09 Results: 26 – 9 (14 – 4 Pac 10) Lost in the second round of the NCAA Tournament to Purdue, 76 – 74.
Coach: Lorenzo Romar 145 – 81 (7 years WU) 238 – 169 overall (13 years)
Key Returners:
Matthew Bryan-Amaning – 6.0ppg, 4.0rpg
Darnell Gant – 3.1ppg, 3.1 rpg
Quincy Pondexter – 12.1ppg, 5.9rpg
Isaiah Thomas – 15ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.6apg
Notable Non-Conference Tilts: 12/3 at Texas Tech, 12/12 vs. Georgetown, 12/22 vs. Texas A&M
Stat of Identity: 8.2 Rebound Margin – Michigan State led the country with 9.3.
By Paul Gotham
Three starters return from a squad that won Washington’s first Pac 10 title since 1953. With an attacking back court and front court ready to blossom, the Huskies have national aspirations for this season.
Gone is the most prolific double-double man in the NCAA, Jon Brockman. Returning is the explosive guard tandem of Isaiah Thomas and Abdul Gaddy. Instead of Brockman cleaning up on the inside, Quincy Pondexter, Darnell Gant, and Matthew Bryan-Amaning will dominate the paint.
Playing point guard last season, Thomas led the Huskies in assists and turnovers. Gaddy’s arrival will allow Lorenzo Romar to move Thomas to a shooting guard – a position which the sophomore is more suited. Thomas hit 39 three pointers last season. That number will increase with Gaddy distributing the ball.
Pondexter is more than ready to carry the brunt of the load in the paint. At 6’6″ the senior creates match up questions for opponents. Pondexter is capable of finishing from inside, but he is not afraid to step out and knock down a mid-range jumper.
At 6’8″, 225 pounds and 6’9″, 240 pounds, Gant and Matthew-Amaning provide the size necessary to tussle with any team in the country.
Justin Holiday, Venoy Overton, and Elston Turner give the Husky bench some depth.
Brockman closed his career as the active leader of double-doubles with 60.
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