Washington Huskies – #7 Pac 12 college basketball power rankings

Washington

Coach: Lorenzo Romar (10 seasons at Washington 219-113) Overall 312-201, 16 years

2011-12: Record 24-11 overall, 14-4 in Pac 12 (1st)

Starters Returning (2) Abdul Gaddy, Aziz N’Diaye

Preseason Tournament: Hall of Fame Classic

Top Non-Conference Games: vs. Colorado State, vs. St. Louis, at UConn

Transfer Out: None

Transfer In : Perris Balkwell (San Francisco), Giles Dierichx (FIU)

Sat Out: Scott Suggs (injury), Andrew Andrews (redshirt), Jernard Jarreau (redshirt)

Early Departure: Terrence Ross, Tony Wroten

When the time a regular season champion in a BCS conference didn’t make the NCAA tournament? Well that happened to the Huskies despite going 14-4 in the Pac 12. Their weak non-conference schedule hurt them. Still head coach Lorenzo Romar won his third Pac 12 coach of the Year award. As for this year’s team they lose their top two scorers to the NBA, but they return there next three leading scorers and get back a key player from injury.

The strength on this team will no doubt be the backcourt. Leading the way is shooting guard C.J. Wilcox (14.2 ppg). Wilcox is probably the best shooter in the Pac 12 but he also improves his all-around game last season. Point guard Abdul Gaddy (8.1 ppg) was once thought to probably be a one done but now he is a senior and one last season to live up to his exactions. He is the returning leader in assists in the Pac 12. Wing Scott Suggs (7.4 ppg) will give a huge boost to the Huskies after missing last year with a foot injury. Like Wilcox he is a deadly shooter; he shot 45 % from three the season before. Depth is a concern here, especially because of inexperience. Providing the depth is redshirt freshman Andrew Andrews and Hikeem Stewart (.6 ppg).

Leading the Huskies up front up will be Aziz N’Diaye (7.8 ppg). He is a dominant rebounder and shot blocker but is still raw on the offensive end although he improve last season. Look for Desmond Simmons(4.2 ppg) to also start upfront. He should put up better numbers with more playing time. Like the backcourt the depth here is unproven. Tyring to provide that depth is Shawn Kemp Jr. (1.6 ppg), redshirt freshman Jernard Jarreau, Martin Breuning (1.7ppg) and Austin Sefrian-Jenkins. Jenkins is currently a tight end on the football team. This unit will receive a boost next season when two transfer become eligible.

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