2008 Washington Huskies Hoops Preview

Jon Brockman can’t do it alone. For two seasons, the Huskies have found this out to their great frustration, relying entirely too much on their all-conference forward and failing to qualify for the NCAA Tournament as a consequence.

It has mattered little that Brockman twice has topped the Pac-10 in rebounding, or that last season he supplied a league-best 23 double-doubles. As he enters his final season in Seattle, this burly, determined guy needs some help.

Two years ago, 7-footer Spencer Hawes and the most touted recruiting class in school history were supposed to supplement Brockman’s talents and keep Washington among the Pac-10’s elite teams. The hope was short-lived as Hawes battled injuries and left early for the NBA, two others transferred out and the Huskies spiraled in the standings.

Last year, the 6'7", 255-pound Brockman eagerly awaited an infusion of experienced talent — several individuals bouncing back from injuries or transferring in. Yet the team captain’s load didn’t lessen much at all. His team had its first losing season (16–17) in the past five years.

To hear coach Lorenzo Romar tell it now, reinforcements finally are on the way, which bodes well for the Huskies’ best player. “Jon has a chance to be an All-American, and we have a chance to be a very good basketball team,” Romar says. “Our veteran players will have played together for some time and our guard play will be much improved.”

Specifically, the coach welcomes a potential momentum changer and crowd pleaser with a familiar basketball name in guard Isaiah Thomas. The 5'8" player averaged more than 30 points per game on both the Washington high school and Connecticut prep school levels. He understands his role. “I’m trying to be the best I can be in getting the program back on its feet, to where it was when it was in the NCAA Tournament,” Thomas says. “I want to put on a show.”

Frontcourt

Brockman, a three-year starter who averaged 17.8 points and 11.6 rebounds per game as a junior, showed some wear for the first time when last season ended. He had surgery to repair an injured left ankle but should be his same relentless self again. He could take the floor with any number of frontline starting combinations. The most logical would team him with 6'6" junior forward Quincy Pondexter and 6'9" sophomore center Matthew Bryan-Amaning.

The once highly regarded Pondexter was a full-time starter as a freshman, but he regressed last season, getting moved out of the lineup and becoming a bit player. There is still hope for him.

Bryan-Amaning, a player with a huge wingspan, provided glimpses of his explosive shot-blocking and dunking ability. He should be a much more confident player the second time around after spending the summer playing in the European championships for the British national team.

Another frontline option is 6'8" senior center Artem Wallace, who started 25 games last year but suffered a serious knee injury in the season-ending loss to Valparaiso in the College Basketball Invitational. How long it takes him to return to full strength will determine his usefulness.

To really change things up, Romar can call on 7'0" junior center Joe Wolfinger, who might be the Huskies’ best 3-point shooter; he hit 40.0 percent of his attempts last season.

Backcourt

Outside of Brockman, the Huskies have lacked players capable of snapping the team out of its two-year malaise and providing strong leadership. Thomas brings a totally different mindset. “He’s a lot like Damon Stoudamire,” Romar says, referring to the former Arizona standout. “He really believes he can score on anybody.”

Thomas likely will share the backcourt with sophomore point guard and returning starter Venoy Overton. If Romar chooses to go with a three-guard lineup, look for either senior Justin Dentmon or 6'6" freshman Scott Suggs to fill the other slot.

Dentmon, similar to Pondexter, was a former starter who was pushed out of the lineup last season. Suggs is the reigning Missouri prep Player of the Year.

Final Analysis

The Huskies have had trouble putting the ball in the basket and getting consistent production out of anyone other than Brockman. If Thomas is as good as advertised, look for Washington to become a serious player in the Pac-10 again.