Washington Huskies Basketball Roundtable: Most Valuable Player?
Jan 19, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Utah Utes center Jason Washburn (42) dribbles towards the basket while being guarded by Washington Huskies forward Shawn Kemp, Jr. (40) during the 2nd half at Alaska Airlines Arena. Utah defeated Washington 74-65. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Who is the most valuable player on the team other than senior C.J. Wilcox (since he’s an NBA-bound veteran that will likely lead the team in scoring)?
Jackson Safon: Kemp Jr. Although he might not be the best player on the team other than Wilcox, with the lack of post depth he is the next most important. There isn’t much in the post besides Kemp, Desmond Simmons, and Perris Blackwell so Kemp’s progression into an all-around post player will make him the second most valuable player on the Husky this year.
Paul Somerstein: Nigel Williams-Goss. Any and all of the great Romar teams have had warriors for Point Guards. If NWG is the player we think he is and the player we thought Abdul Gaddy would be, he will be the key to a post season run. Our offense has had no flow or rhythm during the past two seasons, and he can restore that. Lofty expectations for an 18 year old, but early returns say he is a special player.
Erik Erickson: Perris Blackwell. Say whatever you want about Aziz N’diaye, but the guy could never get it done as a consistent low-post scoring threat. Blackwell will provide the Huskies with the inside scoring they have missed during their tournament drought. Don’t be surprised if he averages a double-double and he could even lead the team in scoring. At 6’9, Blackwell fits the traditional power forward role, but will have no trouble playing center in the UW offense. Blackwell is a space eater, weighing in at 275 pounds, and will remind a lot of Husky fans of our last great big man, Jon Brockman. A lot of people are unaware and/or sleeping on Blackwell and I think he could be the piece that makes the Huskies an NCAA Tournament team.
Jesse Kennemer: I’ll go with Blackwell as well. By the end of the season, I expect that Nigel Williams-Goss will be a starting point guard and perhaps the most important piece of the team. I certainly think he’s the most valuable player looking forward to future years. But at the start of this season, before NWG has had a chance to fully adjust to the college game, Perris Blackwell will be the engine of this team. When the team needs to steady the ship on a specific possession, I expect the ball will go to Blackwell in the post. He is also going to be the primary replacement for N’Diaye’s rebounding.