Washington Huskies Basketball Alumni Game Preview: Wings
By Evan Webeck
Apr 14, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers shooting guard Justin Holiday (14) drives against Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Chris Quinn (20) during the fourth quarter at the Wells Fargo Center. The 76ers defeated the Cavaliers, 91-77. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Pre-2009 Team: Tre Simmons & Bobby Jones
Post-2009 Team: Quincy Pondexter, Justin Holiday & Terrence Ross
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Another position brings more intriguing matchups. Simmons and Ross both bring short Husky resumés, but in each of their two years at UW, they produced more than a lot do in four. Wing players aren’t exactly what the Huskies are known for, but Romar teams with a good wing usually succeed.
Both Pondexter and Holiday went from being secondary options — or even sixth man, in Holiday’s case — to starring during their senior seasons. Pondexter was arguably the best player in the Pac-12 (though POY voters didn’t think so) in 2009-2010. He’ll team up again with his partner in crime, Isaiah Thomas. Between them, Ross, Nate Robinson and others, we should expect an athletic showcase at Hec Ed on Sunday.
May 21, 2013; San Antonio, TX, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Quincy Pondexter (20) dunks over San Antonio Spurs forward Boris Diaw (bottom) in game two of the Western Conference finals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at AT
It will be interesting to see how Holiday has matured since leaving Washington. He wasn’t drafted after his senior season, but after playing in Summer League and D-League games, he got the call to the show late in 2013. He ended up averaging more than 15 minutes per game in nine games with the Sixers.
All three post-2009ers could potentially guard Brandon Roy, if they want a bigger body on the 6’6″ guard. Holiday was known for his shutdown defense, so expect him to take the toughest defensive matchup whenever he is on the court.
The Huskies saw some of their finest days while Simmons and Jones manned the floor. Both went on to play professionally in Europe and the Middle East. After being drafted in the second round, Jones bounced around the NBA on multiple 10-day contracts, but didn’t stick anywhere until he headed to Europe.
Like the rest of the game, it will come down to whoever still has it and whichever team gels the best. This is the matchup that the post-2009 team has to take advantage of if they are going to prevail. Both Simmons and Jones are reveled in Husky lore, but the pure talent and athleticism of Ross, Pondexter and Holiday should give the post-2009 team a significant advantage here.
Advantage: Post-2009 Team