Nov 13, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Albany Great Danes center John Puk puts up a shot against the Washington Huskies during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-US PRESSWIRE

In the second half, the Huskies took the lead early, but could not pull away, as the Great Danes forced them into to their brand of basketball – half court. The Albany guards, Mike Black and Jacob Iati, drove the attack and eventually pulled ahead 54-53 with 5:04 to play. After several Washington defensive lapses and directionless offensive possessions, Wilcox drilled a much needed 3 with 1:36 to deadlock the game at 58. On the ensuing Albany possession, the Huskies came up with a steal and a foul, sent the freshman Andrew Andrews to the line, who knocked down both attempts. After giving up a three in the corner, the Huskies called a timeout with 28.8 seconds left. Gaddy took the ball at the top, dribbled right and found Aziz N’Diaye in the paint, who was fouled. He missed both, but in a flurry, Gaddy came up with the rebound, spun and banked in a difficult shot to give UW a 62-61 lead. But, as fate would have it, on their final possession, senior guard, Mike Black, on a high pick and roll, went around Wilcox for a lay in, the lead and eventual win.

Credit is due Albany, who executed their game plan well. They were effective from long range and their pick and roll gave the Dawgs fits all night. Regardless, this game, for me, harkened back to last year, when early loses doomed what otherwise could have been another tournament bid season. Hopefully, Tuesday night’s game was a just blip on the radar, an anomaly, where the Dawgs just “didn’t have it”; not indicative of a systemic, long-term problem. If the Huskies don’t defend basic half-court sets, and learn to close, however, systemic may be an understatement.

Needless to say, the Vikings gave the Dawgs all they could handle, at least for a while. The Huskies appeared to suffer from momentary lapses, watching their once comfortable lead of 13 dwindle down to a 69-69 tie with 6:44 to play. Eventually, however, UW was able to outlast their opponent, notching an 88-78 win.

Feb 18, 2012, Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies center Aziz N

Bright Spots

Andrew Andrews – He spelled Gaddy from time to time and also shared the floor with him, particularly in the second half. Andrews finished the game with 14 points. For anyone who hasn’t seen his game, do yourself a favor and check him out.

Hikeem Stewart – He just may be the defensive spark off the bench the Huskies need. His athleticism and heart should serve the back court well throughout the season.

Shawn Kemp – From all accounts, he looked good tonight. A promising sign for a Husky front court looking for compliments to the play of Aziz N’Diaye and Desmond Simmons.

Abdul Gaddy, Scott Suggs and C.J. Wilcox – Undoubtedly this trio is (the?) key to the success of this team. Gaddy was aggressive in the second half, Suggs steady and accurate and Wilcox led the team with 21.

Going Foward

In an interview earlier this week, Gaddy repeatedly said that the team’s goal is to “get better” every day. With a new offense and some new players in the mix vying for minutes, day to day improvement is indeed a key. Expect the offense, as the team gains familiarity and a certain level of “trust” with it, to serve the Huskies well. I think this year’s personnel is well suited to extract the best elements of the high-post set, ball sharing and getting the right shot at the right time, by the right person. The Huskies open the season on November 11th against Loyola (MD) Greyhounds. Bow Down!

As the Dawgs were growing on and off the court overseas, stateside the news was not as positive as one of UW’s coveted 2013 recruits, Jabari Bird, committed to Cal. Bird, a highly skilled wing, was on UW’s short list and has subsequently mentioned he will try to recruit forward Aaron Gordon (San Jose, CA) to join him.

Does Bird’s decision diminish the Huskies’ chances at landing Gordon? I don’t think so. I remain bullish on Gordon landing with the Dawgs. I was not so confident with Bird, given his familial ties to Cal – his dad played there in the mid-70’s. Gordon’s summer mixtape is making the rounds on the internet and once again highlights why he’s the 5th overall recruit (Rivals), in a stacked class.

Romar appears to still have his eye on Isaac Hamilton, a 6’5” shooting guard from Los Angeles. But, does Hamilton have his eye on UW? That is the question, since UW is among the schools he plans on visiting. Hamilton’s already made “unofficial” visits to UCLA and USC. Things may change, however, as September can be the month in which such visits are firmed up and coaches can make in-home visits, watch practice, etc.

July 13, 2012;Alexandria, VA USA;USA West guard Nigel Williams-Goss (8) shoots a lay-up over USA Midwest forward Bobby Portis (14) during the Nike Global Challenge at Episcopal High School. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-US PRESSWIRE

Aside from Hamilton, though, the Huskies have been watching several other talented guards, such as Tyree Robinson (San Diego, CA) and Darin Johnson (Sacramento, CA). Both are right around 6’4”, athletic and can employ a plethora of moves – eurostep, step-back, various cross-overs, etc – to find their shot. Robinson and Johnson are both rated as 4 star prospects by Scout. It’s well publicized that Tyree Robinson wants to play alongside his twin brother, Tyrell, and that both want to play basketball and football. Perhaps, UW stands more than a fighter’s chance given recent success stories of athletes like Austin Seferian-Jenkins. However, maintaining competitiveness in both sports at the D-1 level, is, of course, a feat in and of itself.

UW’s first 2013 commit, point guard Nigel Williams-Goss (Findlay Prep, NV), has stated on a few occasions that he would put on his recruiting hat in an attempt to draw fellow 2013 recruits, such as Gordon, to Washington. Williams-Goss is a nice “arrow in the quiver” if you’re a Husky fan, for that reason alone, not to mention his on-the-court prowess.

As the fall sets in and the season gets rolling, Romar and his staff have their work cut out for them as they simultaneously attempt to secure top level recruits, and improve as a team. This year’s veteran squad, though not as deep as past teams, is still very solid and will surprise some. And, despite losing out on Bird, the 2013 class is robust and Romar has already landed Williams-Goss, who may just turn out to be the Huskies’ recruiting x-factor.

If you followed the team’s’ travels on Abdul Gaddy’s blog, Men’s Basketball Facebook page or GoHuskies.com, you saw that the trip served the Dawgs well in shaping team camaraderie, building some pre-season, off-the-court chemistry and providing the kind of “life lessons” that only cross-cultural travels can. But what did we learn from the on-the-court play?

Mar 2, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Abdul Gaddy (0) dribbles the ball against the Southern California Trojans at the Galen Center. Washington defeated USC 80-58. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

Over the course of the trip, the coaching staff commented on the improvements the team was making, building confidence and trust in one another and their new offensive system. Really, in a pre-season setting such as this, that’s what you want to see as a fan, improvement and growth. In an interesting “twist”, coach Romar followed a new script  – the big men that rebound the most (best), per minute played, would start the following game. This, after I declared that I didn’t expect to see much change in the starting line-up. So much for “bold” predictions! Perhaps this sort of competition, though, will bode well for the front line, prodding them to do what the team needs most, provide inside presence, particularly on the glass.

Abdul Gaddy, as I expected, looked good and led the team in scoring with 13.5 points per game.  Sharp shooting guards, Scott Suggs and C.J. Wilcox, seemed to have the green light, as well they should, contributing 13.3 and 13.2 ppg, respectively. Redshirt freshman, Andrew Andrews was very effective off the bench with 8.7 ppg. Andrews, in addition to talent, possesses several intangibles that will serve the Huskies well this season. He has a nose for the ball and is not afraid to aggressively attack the rim. In the Huskies’ final game, Andrews tallied 11 points and 4 assists as he spelled Gaddy, who had to sit much of the second half due to foul trouble. Finally, the front line reserves have shown they’ve put in off-season work, as they compete for viable minutes.

The team returned earlier this week, no doubt impacted both on and off the court. For coach Romar, the wheels of the plane touched down only to soon go up again, as he hits the road recruiting for the 2013 class. It’s early, but it’s busy at Montlake. Go Dawgs!

Starting Line-up

Of course, it’s too early to tell for sure, but it seems to me that the starting line-up of Gaddy, Wilcox, Suggs, Simmons and N’Diaye will continue barring injury. Thin at the 2 and 3 spot, Wilcox and Suggs have had to log a lot of minutes. Not a bad thing considering their exceptional talent, but it is on the radar of things to watch given the grind of the season.

Grasp of Offense

These games would be very interesting to watch for no other reason than to monitor the Huskies’ progress in the new read-and-react offense, particularly since they are bound by the international 24 second shot clock. Just looking at the box scores and stat sheets, the Huskies are turning the ball over more than they’d like, but on the flip side, the imposition of a 24 second shot clock may help them learn the intricacies of the high post offense in the short term. With a truncated shot clock, vision and decision making need to be timely and accurate. At this juncture, turnovers are to be expected and I don’t think they signify long term issues.

March 8, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Washington Huskies Desmond Simmons (30) grabs a rebound against the Oregon State Beavers during the second round of the 2012 Pac 12 Tournament in the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE

Depth

I’m keeping my eye, too, on the second rotation. So far, the biggest contributors off the bench have been Andrews and Jarreau. Kemp also appears to be making solid strides, particularly down the stretch. The Huskies will need Kemp’s presence down low and Jarreau’s versatility as the season wears on, for sure.

Team Cohesion

Challenges with depth can be offset by exceptional chemistry and this year’s team might just possess that. I like our starting five – their maturity, selflessness and familiarity with one another. An ever-improving Andrews, Jarreau and Kemp will only augment the stability of the starting five.

Places to Follow

In addition to the well-known media channels, you can stay up to date on the Huskies’ travels here:

Twitter: @UW_MMB

Gaddy Blog: Men‘sBasketballNews

Facebook : UWMen‘sBasketball

JWashington Huskies head coach Lorenzo Romar. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-US PRESSWIRE

The Huskies are about to embark upon a foreign tour which will take the team to Europe and Africa. Games will be played in Barcelona, Nice, Monaco, Paris before wrapping up in Aziz N’Diaye’s native country, Senegal. The last few weeks have been very busy at Montlake and this tour will certainly not aid in slowing things down. As the Huskies eye the date of their departure (August 25th), what will make a successful trip?

Rotations

In a recent interview on KJR’s Mitch in the Morning program, Romar stated that this year’s team may settle into a more defined rotation earlier than in years past. I imagine, barring injury, the starting five are Gaddy, Wilcox, Suggs, Simmons and N’Diaye. They key for the Huskies, long term however, may well be that second rotation – however deep – off the bench. Romar’s shown in the past that minutes are there, but minutes must be earned. Though it’s early, we may see someone emerge from the bench that mandates minutes, even if they remain part of the second rotation.

New High Post Offense

On the heels of the Dawgs hiring former Western Washington University head coach, Brad Jackson, Romar announced the change from a motion offense to a high post offense. The high post offensive set is often attributed to John Wooden, who of course used it to great success at UCLA. Though there are varieties, the basic philosophy is to employ the strengths of each member on the floor, with proper spacing and flexibility in attacking the basket – oh, and a high post!

The reason Romar sited for the change, was that it better fit his personnel. It’s difficult to say what impact the Jackson hiring had on the decision, since he ran the high post successfully at WWU, but it does signal a shift in offensive philosophy, at least. Regardless of the origin and goal of the new offense, the overseas tour allows the Huskies to begin to draw upon its unique characteristics and gain a deeper level of familiarity with its intricacies. With guards who see the floor well, and athletic big men who can knock down perimeter shots – I’m thinking of Jarreau and Simmons – the new offensive set will likely provide the structure that, at times, seemed to lack last year.

This tour, due to NCAA rules, can only be taken every four years. In addition to being a life changing cultural experience and providing some additional exposure for the program, the European/African tour will mark the first step in what is shaping up to be a very intriguing season. Go Dawgs!

Friday, August 10th at 2:53pm is a date and time that will live on in infamy for me, at least for a while. We vacation every year in Sun River, Oregon and like to hit Multnomah Falls and the city of Portland on the way home. While taking in the beautiful surroundings of the falls and striking up one or two conversations with other visitors, I received a text message that alarmed me, disoriented me and generally ruined my day. It was from my brother – a rabid Dawg fan – saying that Mark McLaughlin, who had just recently committed to the University of Washington with such enthusiasm, was now leaving to “pursue other opportunities”, as the University’s press release put it. I answered the text with a “Whaaaa?!”

A Void
McLaughlin’s long and circuitous route to UW has been well chronicled elsewhere, so I won’t bother repeating it here. Neither will I speculate on why McLaughlin’s moving on. I genuinely wish him the best as he walks through what must be a trying time for he and his family. Oddly enough, though McLaughlin hadn’t even played a game for the Huskies, his departure may leave a hole in the guard and wing rotation that won’t be completely filled this year.

Where the Dawgs Will Turn
I may be slightly overstating the issue, but McLaughlin’s versatility will be sorely missed. His ability to play multiple positions (depending on the opposition’s sets), his adroit handles, creativity around the rim and perimeter prowess cannot be easily passed over. To fill this void, the Huskies will no doubt look to C.J. Wilcox and Scott Suggs, two sharp-shooting wings who have been in the Husky system for three and four years, respectively. To keep opposing defenses honest, however, the Huskies will need more than perimeter play from Wilcox and Suggs. Husky fans take comfort; they are more than capable. Both are athletic, long and versatile. The key, however, will be staying healthy, since the Huskies now find themselves relatively thin at a position that they’ve historically been deep.

Is There a Silver Lining?
Sports, like life, have silver linings shrouded in even the darkest of clouds. First, Romar will have another scholarship to play with in a very “crowded” 2013 class and some of his targets, such as Jabari Bird, are very talented wings. Second, it will allow the spotlight to shine brightly on Wilcox and Suggs, as it should. Both are mature, looked upon as leaders and have the drive to see their team win. I expect Husky fans will see great things from them both. We shall see if in the big picture of next season and beyond, this bump in the road yields deeper levels of success for Romar’s program, and for McLaughlin, too.

Huskies guard Abdul Gaddy (0) and center Aziz N’Diaye (5) fight for position with Washington State Cougars forward Brock Motum (12) during the second half at the Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum. The Huskies defeated the Cougars 59-55. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-US PRESSWIRE

Is pre-season middle of the pack in the Pac-12 ok? Flying under the radar acceptable? Despite the success of the program over the years, the Husky basketball team is picked by many of the pre-season pundits to finish somewhere in the middle of the pack. The typical questions like, “Who will replace the scoring that was lost?” and a “light” recruiting class, have placed the Huskies squarely under the radar, at least as far as national talk goes. But is under the radar such a bad place to be? No, if a few key things fall into place.

Pre-season predictions are just that; pre-season. A lot of the pre-season hype is based recruiting classes, which sometimes don’t pan out. By the time pre-season predictions come out, teams haven’t even began practices. Further, you have to wonder how much the national media pays attention to the Pac-12, given the perception of the conference being “down” over the last few years. Finally, one thing pre-season predictions don’t take into consideration, and really can’t, is team chemistry. Talent is one thing, but the last I checked, basketball is still a team sport, and teams win championships.

Team Cohesion

There was talk, particularly at the end of the year when fan frustrations were at their peak, that the Huskies didn’t have the chemistry necessary to succeed. With no insider information at my disposal to either confirm or deny that assertion, I’d have to agree; not chemistry internally, perhaps, but on the court. This was exacerbated, no doubt, by the teams’ immaturity, but regardless, they failed to win the games they needed to. For the majority of the team, with another year under their belt, expect on-the-court chemistry to improve and roles to be, perhaps, more defined. All in all, an improved team identity.

Defensive Buy-in

It goes without saying – defense, in the Romar system, leads to easy offense. Last year’s team was too slow to the ball, missed key assignments and just generally broke down at key defensive moments, leaving the average fan scratching their head, as teams with lesser talent were able to find the “easy” shot. For the Huskies to exceed the rather blase expectations set by the media, they cannot rely on offense alone. Aziz N’Diaye will be the anchor down low that we’ve come to expect, but the Huskies will need an improved defensive effort on the perimeter to shut opponents down and win the close games.

Distributing the Ball

Eyes will be on Abdul Gaddy, returning for his senior campaign, sharing duties as a team captain and deservedly so. Look for Gaddy to be more ball-dominant as the team’s floor general. If forwards Desmond Simmons, Martin Breunig and Jernard Jarreau demonstrate the ability to knock down the open shot, they could contribute to a compelling offensive set of pick and roll / pick and pop ball. We know he can distribute, but Gaddy’s also shown a knack for getting to the rim during the summer league season, which will bode well both for him and for shooters on the perimeter.

The Pac-12 will be much more competitive this year. Can the Huskies exceed pre-season expectations? Yes, if they can locate early that elusive team cohesion, adopt a defense-first mentality and develop an offense that shares the ball. Don’t be surprised if the Husky bite takes a chunk out of the middle of Pac-12, and contends for another title.

Lorenzo Romar. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE

Success in sports, as in life, can produce one of two reactions: one of on-going entitlement; or one of humility. The former seems all too common, while the latter is refreshing, inspiring. Oddly enough, too, it is often the latter that also propels individuals and teams to deeper levels of success.

Romar, and the coaches that fill out his staff, have modeled the latter example of humility in reflecting upon their success as a program. This humility has helped them avoid the trap of success, while keeping them hungry for the next level as a program.

The college recruiting “game” is a fascinating one on many levels, the blights on certain programs aside. A premium is placed on relationship, as many coaches, particularly in basketball where skill set is not immediately linked to girth as it can be in football, form relationships with young players prior to them even entering high school. There is also the parental dynamic, which can be at odds with the dynamic of the wants of their child. Will my kid receive a good education? Will the coaching staff, in addition to placing a premium on winning, be an example, a mentor, to my kid? These are questions that cross the minds, I’m sure, of many a parent who is fortunate enough to watch their kid pursue their athletic dreams.

Romar, by all accounts, is a great recruiter. Kids love playing for him, parents speak well of him and he runs a clean program. However, he wants to position his program to advance deeper into the NCAA Tournament, for instance. He sees deeper levels of success, deeper levels of team cohesion. Most importantly, Romar and his staff realize that to make deeper runs into the tourney, they need to balance their typically great guard and wing play, with solid, physical post play.

Last season saw the Huskies add several members to their front line, and while time will yet tell the level of their contribution, the ball is in motion in an attempt fortify the front line. The pattern of adding bulk and skilled big men has continued this season with the transfers of Perris Blackwell and Giles Dierckx, though they’ll need to sit out this year due to NCAA transfer rules. I wonder if, taken cumulatively, this could signal a shift, or at least a new emphasis, in Romar’s recruiting approach? To advance deeper into the tournament, Romar no doubt realizes that he needs some strength on the front line. Obviously, a tournament setting forces teams to think in these terms, since it is really about match-ups.

With the commitments of the 2013 class right around the corner, it will be interesting how the Huskies will fill the spots they have open (which can increase too, should current players leave early or transfer). Romar’s short list includes some formidable big men, some have caught the eye of the national media already like Aaron Gordon, and others are rising up the “watch” lists, like Marcus Lee and Kyle Washington.

Nov 4, 2011; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies forward Martin Breunig (10) goes up for a layup during the game against the Seattle Pacific Falcons at Alaska Airlines Arena. Washington defeated Seattle Pacific 77-60. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-US PRESSWIRE

It seems as though the perennial off-season question has to do with how the Huskies will fare in replacing what was lost. One of the “problems” – though, ultimately, a good one to have – with graduating players and sending some early to the NBA, is how the void left will be filled the following year. One of the reasons Romar’s program is a success is that he understands a void left by a graduating or a player making the jump early is an opportunity; an opportunity for someone to step up.

With the early exodus of Ross and Wroten, one might be inclined toward concern for where those points will be recovered this year, particularly in the backcourt. However, when you return the likes of CJ Wilcox and Scott Suggs and add the silky smooth Mark McLaughlin, the question isn’t who will score, but when, where and how much!

The looming question, then, isn’t the backcourt, but the frontcourt. How will the frontcourt shape up over the course of a year? What role does the frontcourt (need to) play to complement the talent and scoring prowess of the backcourt? With the exception of Aziz N’Diaye and Desmond Simmons, who are well known to Husky faithful, only time will tell.

It’s difficult to underestimate the value N’Diaye brings, particularly on the defensive end. His presence alone demands the attention of the opposition, and if he doesn’t block your shot, he’ll alter it. I see Simmons coming into his own this year, advancing from the strong start he had last year. He’s the perfect complement to N’Diaye down low, a solid rebounder and willing to do what it takes to win. The question, however, isn’t N’Diaye or Simmons, but the second tier of Husky frontcourt players, the “big three” – Jernard Jarreau, Martin Breunig and Shawn Kemp Jr.

As an observer, there’s so much that’s unknown and seemingly unproven about the big three. However, the talent appears to be there, as well as the versatility. Redshirt freshman, Jernard Jarreau, is able to face up the defense and knock down the open jumper. Martin Breunig has one year in the Husky system under his belt, and shows the athleticism in addition to the size to be potentially disruptive on the offensive end. Shawn Kemp Jr. showed a lot of potential last year and has looked really good in the first couple of weeks of summer league ball. He looks in shape and, consequently, more active around the rim.

That second tier of Husky big men has the potential to be the x-factor for this season. While questions linger, Romar and his staff have proven over the years to be adept at evaluating and maximizing talent. The minutes will be there, as they spell Aziz and Des; and even if they perform as a group (which is how Romar might use them), if they do so with heart and aggression, we could well see the Huskies once again exceed expectations. Bow Down!

Washington Huskies coach Lorenzo Romar at Pac-12 media day. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

June 20th, 2012 was a monumental day in which the unthinkable, the unbelievable happened. No, hell did not freeze over, but the next most impossible thing occurred; Coach Romar joined Twitter (@CoachRomar)! Shortly after his plunge into the world of social media, Romar stated his main rationale – recruiting.

Among the various streams of social media options, Twitter boasts some 500 million users and daily pushes over 50 million tweets. And, while my teenage daughter seems to eclipse 50 million texts in a day, Twitter’s reach and social footprint cannot be denied. Popular among the tech, arts, and news communities, Twitter is also the social media option of choice for athletes. This week Deron Williams was the first to break the news that he would remain with the Brooklyn Nets by simply tweeting “Made a tough decision today”, linking a picture of the Nets’ logo. Williams was able to get the message out, without calling a press conference or doing an interview. In less than 140 characters and from the comforts of his cell phone, Williams let the waiting world in on his decision.

Obviously, high school recruits are no different. Twitter, and to a lesser extent Facebook, are the warp and woof of the world in which they live, move and have their being. A self-described “late bloomer” (no doubt with tongue firmly planted in cheek), Romar can use Twitter to stay informed and as an avenue for communication.

Strangely, Romar’s foray into social media, the world in which his team and recruits live, might just be the symbolic harbinger of taking the next step as a basketball program. The 2013 class is well chronicled being led by 5 star recruits such as Jabari Parker (Chicago, ILL) and Aaron Gordon (San Jose, CA), both of whom are UW targets, and the 2014 class looks ripe with local talent as well.

Romar and his staff are off to a more than admirable start in landing 2013 Findlay Prep star, Nigel Williams-Goss. Williams-Goss is an intriguing get for several reasons. First, he knows how to win. Second, other guys like playing with him. Finally, playing at Findlay with other high level recruits has probably helped him become more of distributing, floor general type of point guard.

Despite this strong start, there is work to be done with at least two spots open for 2013 and the likes of Parker, Gordon and Jabari Bird (Richmond, CA) still undeclared. Recruits who have decided to play for UW, have consistently stated the main reasons they originally committed – style of play and Romar and the staff. In fact, Nigel Williams-Goss has stated that “relationship” was a deciding factor for choosing UW over other schools.

Will Romar’s presence on Twitter be the deciding factor for other UW targets? Probably not. But, it can’t hurt. Welcome to Twitter, Coach!

Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE

Monday night marked the opening of the Seattle Summer League at North Seattle Community College. Though the majority of Huskies slated to participate were absent, Abdul Gaddy, Mark McLaughlin, Andrew Andrews and Shawn Kemp Jr. were present. Below are some observations and highlights.

Abdul Gaddy was a late arrival but subbed in early in the game. Anrio Adams, Rainer Beach and incoming freshman for Bill Self and Kansas, drew Gaddy’s number on the defensive end. Adams picked his pocket a few times, but for the most part Gaddy was able to find his own shot. While a bit cold on the perimeter, Gaddy was aggressive with dribble penetration, particularly in the second half. He wasn’t afraid to mix it up in the paint either, rebounding and scoring with putbacks. With the athleticism the Huskies have had at the guard position in the last few years, it is easy to overlook the totality of Abdul’s game. What he may lack in short bursts of speed (ala Derrick Rose), he makes up for with excellent ball and body control. He has the ability to keep the defender on his hip and use his long arms to create the additional space necessary to get to the cup. Gaddy’s running mate for the night – Martin Breunig – was absent. Hopefully next week, we’ll see be able to see how they work together.

Mark McLaughlin played the third game of the evening. Husky fans, get to know this kid. I noticed some of the folks sitting around, mentioning they would purposely stay in order to see McLaughlin’s game. Though I’d seen plenty of tape on McLaughlin, I’d never seen him in person. My first impression upon watching him warm up – “He looks like a Husky wing”! Long, lean, quick and adept at handling the rock and shot creation, McLaughlin was, in large measure, the standout performer of the evening. From the perimeter, from the paint…it didn’t matter, McLaughlin looked at home. One facet of his game that Husky fans may not be aware of, is his uncanny ability to use his off-hand when going to the rim. Doing so, only adds variety to his already lethal and creative game and keeps opposing defenders on their heels. McLaughlin seemed to genuinely enjoy himself, talking and smiling with the officials and fans alike.

The crowd had thinned out somewhat by the time the final game rolled around, but all eyes present were on Andrew Andrews. As I said above with Mark McLaughlin – get to know this kid’s game. The only point which obscured Andrews contribution is his team was very guard-rich, with the likes of D’Vonne Pickett Jr. of Seattle U (tip of the hat to Pickett). Regardless, Andrews consistently demonstrated why Husky fans should be so excited for his emergence. I recall an interview with Andrews when he committed to UW in which the interviewer asked him what the coaching staff wanted him to work on. Andrews replied “strengthening my handle and keeping low”, (when he dribble drives, for instance). I’d say he’s put in work! On one possession in the second half, Andrews took the ball at the top of the key, and with the defender no doubt asking “What’s he going to do? Pull-up? Cross me over? What?” Andrews took the ball, and with a couple set up dribbles, spun right so hard, so fast, it took not only the defender by surprise, but the audience too. I know he busted my ankles and I was in the third row! Andrews also shows an above average perimeter game and real nice court vision.

Shawn Kemp Jr. (Sr. was in the building too!) played with Andrews. Kemp Jr. has a lot of potential and the opposing defense recognized this, oftentimes clogging the middle in an attempt to disrupt his rhythm. Early in the game Kemp caught an alley oop that seemed to be parallel to the floor and not really rising. It didn’t matter, as Kemp caught it, brought it left and flushed it home. I was encouraged by Kemp’s effort on the defensive end, rebounding and generally disturbing the paint. He didn’t score many points, but was effective while on the floor. Kemp, is one of the Husky bigs that has a chance to contribute this season at the 4, provided he is aggressive and wants it. The talent is there for him to garner respectable minutes as a sophomore. One side note, hopefully not an unfortunate one – he sat for much of the second half and seemed to have an ice pack on his right knee. He didn’t appear to be in pain, so hopefully it is something he can work through.

Games continue next Monday, 6pm at North Seattle Community College. Admission is free, parking is free and the basketball is more than worth the look.

Transfer Perris Blackwell (22) won't be able to play till 2013. (US PRESSWIRE)

Pay it Forward

Closing 2012 with one scholarship remaining, means it can essentially be rolled over to 2013, the class that Lorenzo Romar and his staff have their sights set on. Romar’s off to a great start in landing a bona fide leader in Nigel Williams-Goss, who has also stated a desire to attract other 2013 recruits to UW.

McLaughlin…Fill it Up, Son!

It seems that every year national writers and fans alike are asking, “Where will the Huskies turn to replace the scoring that left?” due to graduation, or in the case of this year, the draft. 32 points per game walked out the door as freshman phenom Tony Wroten and sophomore sharp-shooter Terrence Ross declared early for the NBA draft. The answer, in part, to that pressing question is Mark McLaughlin, a transfer from Tacoma Community College, where his 27.5 points per game lead the nation. Long recognized a D-1 talent, expect McLaughlin to make an immediate contribution at the wing. McLaughlin is also an above average passer and has respectable handles for a guard with his size, 6’6” and right around 200 lbs.

Turn to the Returning

Recruiting classes are only part of the equation, which is strange, I know, to assert in an article on the same topic. Recruiting classes make for good national discussion for sure, but what about what a team returns? Keep in mind that Scott Suggs will be returning for his final season – treat him as a one and done! I think Husky fans will see immediately why he was sorely missed last season – sharp shooting, calm and collected, knowledge of the Husky way. The aforementioned departure of Ross and Wroten and the need for backcourt scoring and able defense will also be filled by C.J. Wilcox. The Huskies perimeter game will put enormous pressure on opposing defenses, which creates other lanes and looks for others.

No Fronting on the Front Line

With the Huskies unable to land Howard or Jaiteh, another member of the frontcourt will need to step up. Aziz N’Diaye returns for his senior season and it’s reasonable to expect what he’s already proven – an intimidating 7 footer clogging the middle and windexing the glass. However, there are minutes to be had at the small forward spot, and while Desmond Simmons has the advantage returning after an effective freshman campaign, it remains to be seen who else can contribute at that position. Perhaps Romar will opt for a “by committee” type of rotation, but there are viable candidates in Breunig, Kemp and Jarreau. See the great analysis on the matter by John Chase.

Time will tell how the 2012/2013 team gels, but I believe the pieces are there, even if the 2012 recruiting class was a bit “thin” in terms of numbers. As such, the stage is set for those who have played in the system for a few years to contribute in a big way and the “newcomers” – including redshirt freshmen – to carve their own important niche.

March 1, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Washington Huskies forward Martin Breunig (10) falls over Southern California Trojans guard Byron Wesley (25) during the second half at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE

One of my favorite yearly events is the summer league at North Seattle Community College. It’s a sanctioned NCAA event, and typically features numerous Huskies. I attended a number of the games last year and in addition to seeing some epic matchups, the games allowed fans to see new Huskies as well.

Last season, was my introduction to Martin Breunig, Andrew Andrews and Jernard Jarreau. Oh, and the audience typically included such basketball luminaries as Slick Watts, Jamal Crawford, Nate Robinson and Eldridge Recasner. Not too shabby. The vibe is really relaxed and laid back, with the crowd enthusiastically responding to each thunderous dunk, no look pass and deep three.

What are some of the things to watch for this summer? Here are some thoughts.

Back Court
First, watch how Abdul Gaddy leads. This is Gaddy’s team. He’s earned the respect of his teammates and coaches, and though the summer league is loose and only semi “organized”, it is nonetheless a fitting prelude for asserting one’s self as the floor general.

Secondly, as Gaddy’s heir apparent, watch for the development of Andrew Andrews. I was thoroughly impressed with Andrews’ pace, aggressiveness and ability to see the floor and get to the rim. In fact, on many occasions, Andrews looked like one of the few who wanted to play both ends of the floor.

Assuming they are in town, watch for the contribution of Suggs and Wilcox. I’d love to see them on opposite teams. I recall several times last year, like a good jazz tenor battle (for you jazz fans – all three of you!), a “call” would go out from Suggs or Wilcox, who would hit a long three, and Ross would answer at the other end with a three of his own. And back and forth they’d go! If Suggs and Wilcox are opposite each other, expect similar fireworks from beyond the arc.

Finally, watch for the contribution of Mark McLaughlin. Watch how he gels with his new teammates and integrates his talents into the flow of the game. The summer league should be a great platform for McLaughlin to show what he can do on both ends of the floor.

Front Court
Watch for the improvements of the sophomores, Breunig, Kemp and Jarreau. Making the leap from high school ball to D-1 as a freshman can be daunting, especially in a system like Romar’s, which demands so much particularly on the defensive end. Though summer ball is not akin to the rigors of league play, it should be interesting to see who asserts themselves.

Watch for Simmons to again demonstrate why he was so deserving of minutes last year, even if he did eventually hit a bit of a “freshman wall”. His hustle last year during the summer was in no way a front; he’s got heart and motor, which will no doubt be on display once again.

In a similar fashion to McLaughlin, transfer Perris Blackwell will be more than worth the look on Monday nights. The Huskies have desperately needed a big man with a back to the basket game, and Blackwell’s declared that to be a prominent facet of his attack. In a free-flowing format such as the summer league, Blackwell’s game down low will stand out and certainly garner some attention.

Games are on Mondays, beginning June 25th. Here’s the website and I’d presume that rosters will follow soon. Make it out if you can. Parking and admission are free.

Jan 15, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Terrence Ross. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-US PRESSWIRE

Of late there has been plenty of draft talk on Terrence Ross. According to many analysts he’s creeping up the draft boards as workouts increase and circulate about the internet. What are some of the national draft experts saying?

Mike Schmitz (@mike_schmitz) has an interesting video breakdown of Ross’ strengths and weaknesses, with the help of some audio from Coach Romar. Schmitz’s analysis, while largely favorable, does include the most oft-repeated critique of Ross’ game I’ve heard – that he needs to improve (or prove) that he can get to the rim and not simply shoot jumpers and that he has average, at best, handles.

David Daniels (@therealddaniels) who writes for Bleacher Report, has Ross slightly under the radar. But according to one NBA scout, Ross is deserving of the hype – “I’m not sure he’s not the best 2 guard on the board”.

Kurt Helin at Pro Basketball Talk has a nice profile of Ross. Helin (@probasketballtalk) lists Ross’ jumper and athleticism on the break as a couple of his strengths, which will, Helin believes, allow him to make a virtual instant impact. In addressing the common critique of Ross’ sub-NBA level handles, Helin says “he’s not got NBA handles yet but he’s the guy filling a lane in transition”.

Chad Ford, ESPN Draft Insider (@chadfordinsider), has a nice interview in which Ross discusses his own strengths and the overall draft process. When asked what kind of player he is, Ross replied an athletic scorer who plays defense. Indeed.

Of the several teams with reported interest in Ross, Brian McDonald of SB Nation Houston indicates that Ross could fill a void at the 2 and pair nicely with Chandler Parsons at the 3, particularly on the defensive end.

NBADraft.net, as of June 1st, has Ross going 10 to the New Orleans Hornets ahead of Duke’s Austin Rivers and Syracuse’s Dion Waiters. In fact, it looks like the Hornets will have Ross work out for the team soon.

My Take
I’m a huge fan of Terrence Ross as I’ve written before. In fact, it kills me to watch his highlights because I want him back with the Huskies. But, I’m working through my “issues” and articles like this are good, cheap therapy.

First and foremost, if I were an NBA GM, I’d want a 2 guard to be able to shoot the rock, which Ross does with aplomb. I’d also want him to defend the perimeter, since the NBA is replete with athletic, savvy 2 guards. Interestingly enough, in researching for this article, I only found one national writer who commented on Ross’ killer crossover, which served him so well in generating his own shot while at UW. Second, Ross has the potential to be a lock-down type defender and has already shown the ability to clog passing lanes and rebound well at his position. If I could say one thing, offer one suggestion to Ross, contrary to the critiques nationally, it would be to foster that killer instinct; that Kobe-like, give me the ball, I’m going to take this thing o-v-e-r kind of mentality. I’ve seen it before and I can’t wait to see it from Ross at the next level.

All in all, it’s nice to see some of the national media catch on to the special player that Ross is and begin to dream about what the future can hold for a player of his skill and athleticism. With the draft a few weeks away, and the combines this weekend, could we be talking about Terrence Ross the NBA lottery pick? Quite possibly.