Washington: 2009 NCAA Tournament Capsule

Washington Huskies

Pacific 10

Last NCAA Appearance: 2006, Sweet Sixteen loss to Connecticut

Coach: Lorenzo Romar (4-4 in 4 NCAA appearances)

Why They Can Surprise:

Washington is not a fancy team like some others in the Pacific 10 conference, but they still get the job done. Much of their success this year can be attributed to Jon Brockman. The 6-7 senior averaged 15.6 points and 10.8 rebounds during the regular season and he will get a double-double more often than not. He is not a shot blocker or imposing physically, but his production has been quite impressive over the last four years.

Brockman’s ability to hit the glass has turned the Huskies into the second best rebounding team in the nation. However, even Brockman occasionally needs some help on the glass. Fellow starting forwards Quincy Pondexter and Darnell Gant are both decent rebounders and there are plenty of other options off the bench like Matthew Bryan-Amaning and Justin Holiday.

Why They Can Disappoint:

Washington takes very few three point shots. Well they actually take quite a few, but they do not make that many. Justin Dentmon is the lone consistent outside shooting threat and he makes less than two per game. Luckily, Dentmon does a lot more than just shoot long balls and averages 15.5 points per game, but the team definitely lacks a shooter to come in off the bench and provide an offensive spark. That means if UW falls behind, they could have some trouble coming back.

Who To Watch:

Isaiah Thomas is the key to this team. The freshman point guard averaged 16.7 points and 2.9 assists during his debut campaign in Seattle. Thomas can hit the outside shot, but the 5-8 Tacoma native will do most of his damage in the paint. He gets to the free-throw line an amazing 6.5 times per contest and he makes the most of those opportunities. Thomas’ turnover numbers were a little high, but that is to be expected from a freshman, especially on a team that loves to push the tempo. However, the Huskies will need him to remain aggressive, yet under control, during the high pressure games in March.

Probable Starters:

Isaiah Thomas, Freshman, Guard

Justin Dentmon, Senior, Guard

Quincy Pondexter, Junior, Forward

Darnell Gant, Freshman, Forward

Jon Brockman, Senior, Forward

Key Roleplayers:

Matthew Bryan-Amaning, Sophomore, Forward

Justin Holiday, Sophomore, Forward

Venoy Overton, Sophomore, Guard

Elston Turner, Freshman, Guard

+ Following final Bracket announcement, more team info will be added, including final RPI, final team statistical rankings, Joel's prediction, and more!