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#22
Washington Huskies
Pacific 10
2004-05: 29-6,
14-4, 2nd
2004-05 postseason:
NCAA
By
Joel Welser
Washington has experienced
a quick turnaround under Coach Lorenzo Romar and the good times
won’t end anytime soon. Despite losing three starters, the
Huskies have reloaded and have enough talent to compete for the
top spot in the Pac 10.
Who’s Out: Nate
Robinson and Tre Simmons were the top two scorers averaging 16.4
and 16.0 points per game. Tack on fellow guard Will Conroy who
averaged 9.4 points and 6.4 assists per game and the Huskies are
looking for a new backcourt. Center Hakeem Rollins averaged
15.4 minutes per game and was a solid, experienced option off
the bench. Also heading out of Seattle are seldom used Alex
Johnson and Matt Fletcher.
Who’s In: Ryan
Appleby will take over the point guard duties. The Florida
transfer will be welcomed back to his native Washington and has
the vision and passing skills to replace the departed Will
Conroy. Incoming freshman Justin Dentmon will backup Appleby at
the point. Dentmon is quick and a good floor leader. The
outside shot needs some developing, but his point guard skills
make up for any lack of consistency with the jumper. Shooting
guard Harvey Perry is very athletic and an excellent passer, but
isn’t expected to see too many minutes his first season. Jon
Brockman anchors a great group of frontcourt newcomers.
Brockman, a 6-7, 245 pound forward, will battle for a starting
position right away. He is a physical player, a hard worker and
has great instincts. The Snohomish, Washington product doesn’t
have much offense outside of the paint, yet Brockman can still
average ten and ten as a freshman. Artem Wallace wasn’t as
highly touted as Brockman, but the 6-8, 230 pound center may
prove to be just as nice of a pickup for the Huskies. Wallace
is a bruiser who won’t be afraid to battle with anybody under
the basket. The Toledo, Washington product is surprisingly
nimble and explosive and can even step out and hit the mid-range
jumper with consistency. Centers Zach Johnson and Joe Wolfinger
will add even more depth to the young frontcourt. Johnson, who
redshirted last year due to knee injuries, relishes contact
under the basket and has a good deal of quickness for a big
man. Wolfinger could use some time to develop his game and add
some strength.
Who to Watch:
Brandon Roy will become the go to scorer this year. As a junior
last year Roy averaged 12.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.2
assists. The scoring numbers should increase, but Roy won’t be
able to replace the long range shooting of Robinson and
Simmons. That job will fall to Appleby and sophomore Joel
Smith.
Projected
Conference Rank: The starting five is solid with Bobby Jones
and Mike Jensen returning from last year. Jensen dislocated his
shoulder and is expected to miss around half the season.
Experience is an issue, but freshmen are hardly freshmen come
March. There are quite a few new pieces to fit into the puzzle,
yet Coach Romar will have it all sorted out during
non-conference play. A 4th place finish is great
after losing so much talent in what will be a surprisingly good
Pac 10 from top to bottom.
Projected
Post-season Tournament: NCAA
Projected Starting
Five:
Ryan Appleby,
Sophomore, Guard, DNP last season
Brandon Roy, Senior,
Guard, 12.8 points per game
Bobby Jones, Senior,
Forward, 11.2 points per game
Jon Brockman,
Freshman, Forward, DNP last season
Mike Jensen, Senior,
Forward, 6.3 points per game
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