After a disappointing season last year, the Dawgs are reloaded and revamped for the 2008 season. Led by coach Lorenzo Romar and the senior leadership of Jon Brockman, it's no question what their goal is. A deep run into the NCAA tournament. Something Husky fans haven't seen since Brandon Roy's departure in 2006.
Let's take a look at the projected starters for the 2008-09 season:
Starters
Point Guard- Isaiah Thomas FR
Isaiah Thomas is the biggest incoming freshman since Spencer Hawes to dawn a Husky uniform. Originally part of the Class of 2007, Thomas decided to attend Prep School at South Kent Prep in Conneticut in order to fix some academic issues and also ready his game for the college level. In this sense, he's no ordinary freshman and is ready to contribute and help this team win right away.
What kind of player is he? Thomas is one of the most explosive offensive players you'll ever see. He stands at 5' 8", a little a taller than Nate Robinson. Think of Nate Robinson with a broader set of moves and a more consistent outside shot and you get Isaiah Thomas.
Nate Robinson was no where close to where Isiaiah Thomas is right now when he was a freshman. Thomas is on another level. His defense may be a liability considering his height, but his speed will allow him to flourish if Romar implements a more full-court pressure centered defense.
Shooting Guard- Justin Dentmon SR
Justin Dentmon's three years at UW so far could be characterized at best as inconsistent. His most successful season to date was probably his freshman season when he helped lead the Huskies to the Sweet 16. In his sophomore year little improvement was seen.
Last year in his junior season he completely fell off the map being outplayed by Venoy Overton, losing his starting point guard duties. This off-season may have been Dentmon's best. He's improved significantly physically and mentally.
Rumor has it, that Dentmon will either get the 2nd guard spot with Thomas, or may be the 6th man off the bench playing back up point and shooting guard. My bet is he gets the starting two guard spot barring any major setbacks.
His senior leadership needs to manifest itself in a starting spot. His height could be concern at defending others at the two guard position, but, again height won't matter if Romar implements more of a full-court press centered defense.
Small Forward-Quincy Pondexter JR
This is the year it will come all together for Quincy Pondexter. I'm not optimistic about the previous statement. I'm confident in it. His 9.9ppg could easily catapult to the 15 range this season. He had several big games toward the end of last season in which showed his ability to quietly score in bunches. Besides Brockman, he's the go-to player on this offense.
I'd like to see more dribble penetration and driving from him along with more perimeter shooting for Pondexter. He has a variety of offensive moves in his arsenal that can and should be used. If Pondexter is able to form into the star the Huskies need, then this team will be a threat in March. Pondexter is the key.
Forward- Matthew Bryan-Amaning SO
Amaning had a super successful off-season that was highlighted by his experience with the Brtish U20 national team. He ended up dropping 41 on the Czech Republic! After significant playing time last season, Amaning will get even more playing time if he locks up this starting spot. He seems to be the front-runner being currently ahead of Artem Wallace.
Last season, he seemed too predictable in the Husky offense, but a solid off-season has given him a chance to utilize new moves and improve upon old moves. His post-up game was surprisingly effective a lot last year, the first few games of this season will determine whether that was a fluke or not. This season may be one full of growing pains for Amaning, especially on the defensive end where he still lacks experience. Only time will tell for this European.
Forward-Jon Brockman SR
Jon Brockman has only been in one NCAA tournament. It was in his freshman year. He's determined to lead this team to an NCAA tournament and lead them deep into it. He craves success and he will get it if he can somehow improve upon a ridiculous junior year. He's clearly the best player in the Pac-10 and he's the best returning rebounder in the country.
What was his main focus this off season? Free Throws. If he could improve upon his near 50% free throw percentage he will easily average over 20 points. He's also worked extremely hard on his mid-range jumper. This mid-range game will allow Brockman to have more offensive options and allow him to easily beat slower defenders of the dribble.
Let's hope the "I" word doesn't happen to Brockman as he is the complete foundation of this team.
Through an erratic sophomore year with Hawes and a junior year in which he got no help, Brockman has grown into a leader on and off the court for his teammates. I have a feeling that Brockman's senior year will mirror that of Brandon Roy's in which the national media hyping up and will always be watching Brockman. All-American? Definitely. Play like one and lead us to the promised land...PLEASE!
Coming Soon: The Rest of the Roster
photo source: [seattle times]
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![[seattle times]](http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/ABPub/2008/07/16/2008055661.jpg){kind=link}