For part II of my two-part series (great pairings come in twos), I’ll be putting together the likely starting 11 for University of Washington defense.

The Huskies field a solid unit with experience and depth.

Free Safety – Will Shamburger

This might be up for grabs. Will Shamburger is the most experienced safety on the roster, but Justin Glenn started over him for most of last year.

Shamburger played solidly in the spring. Curiously, though, Steve Sarkisian didn’t say anything that would indicate he would be the default starter, as would be expected of an experienced returning senior.

Stay tuned.

Sean Parker is a lock to start on defense in 2013.

Strong Safety – Sean Parker

Sean Parker, like Shamburger, is an experienced returning vet. However, Parker started every game last season, was captain and was Honorable Mention All-Pac 12.

His starting spot is assured.

Cornerback – Gregory Ducre

Shutdown corner Desmond Trufant will be dearly missed here. Cornerback, as it stands, is one of Washington’s thinnest position groups.

I feel reasonable about picking Gregory Ducre to lock down one starting spot. Ducre is a senior with lots of experience, who played noticeably better this spring. He should be serviceable.

Cornerback – Travell Dixon

This second spot is up for grabs, but I’m going to go out on a limb a little and pick transfer Travell Dixon.

An NJCAA All American at Eastern Arizona College, Dixon had a redshirt season last year to get acclimated to UW. He only played a single year of high school football, but dominated junior college and is ready to make an impact in the Pac-12.

Linebacker – Travis Feeney

A converted safety originally, sophomore Travis Feeney was one of the highlights for Washington on defense last year, earning Honorable Mention All Pac-12 in his first real season.

An interesting size for the position at 6’4” and 209, Feeney nevertheless was all over the field last season and is set to have a monster year.

Linebacker – Shaq Thompson

He plays all over the field, and may be needed more urgently at cornerback; but for now, Shaq Thompson will start at linebacker for the Huskies.

The freakishly athletic Thompson was Honorable Mention All Pac-12 and a second-team Freshman All-American. Named Freshman of the Year within the team, Thompson is an absolute playmaker on defense wherever you slot him.

If you’re going to watch one Washington player on defense, make it Thompson.

Linebacker – John Timu

Like Feeney and Thompson, John Timu started last year at linebacker as a captain and is on pace to do so again. Washington returns an exceptionally experienced and skilled linebacking corps to anchor the defense, with Timu looking to replicate or improve on last season’s Honorable Mention All Pac-12.

I haven’t even touched on the solid depth UW also has at this position, in addition to a great batch of recruits.

Defensive End – Josh Shirley

Coming off the edge with size and speed, Josh Shirley had a solid season in 2012, but will need to up his production in 2013.

Washington’s pass rush (or lack thereof) was a glaring weakness last year. Shirley is a likely choice to start for the Huskies, but he’ll have to do more than just that to keep opposing offenses honest.

Defensive End – Andrew Hudson

Honorable Mention All Pac-12 after starting every game, junior Andrew Hudson will line up as the other defensive end. Hudson showed flashes of disruptive ability, but will need to lead by example for a unit highlighted by many as one of the team’s potential weak spots.

If there’s one defensive player to watch this season, it’s Shaq Thompson.

Defensive Tackle – Danny Shelton

Danny Shelton was Honorable Mention All Pac-12 and started every game at nose tackle last year. He shows great penetrative ability and can command double teams, as well as the capacity to to step back and stop the run.

An obvious choice to start inside, Shelton has the potential to have a great season coming off a solid 2012.

Defensive Tackle – Connor Cree

This pick is a little out there, but sophomore Connor Cree was one of the biggest surprises in the spring game and has been tabbed by many to see heavy playing time this season.

He may also be in the rotation as a defensive end, but I wouldn’t be surprised in the slightest to see him starting in the interior this season.

Definitely a player to keep an eye on.

That’s your 11, Husky Nation. A lot more experience than last year, although cornerback remains questionable.

Much is still up in the air, but things look promising for Washington on both sides of the ball.

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Now that Washington‘s spring game has come and gone and the incoming recruits are tallied, we can reasonably project how the upcoming season’s starting lineups might look.

In Part I, we’ll break down the offense.

QB – Keith Price

As I broke down, Keith Price’s excellent spring play and natural fit in Washington’s new offense make him the clear candidate to start under center.

Will Keith Price remain the starter in 2013? (Photo: Wild West Sports)

Here’s hoping this works better than it did last year.

RB – Bishop Sankey

No surprise here. Coming off a breakout season where he put the team on his back in countless situations, Bishop Sankey will be the focus of opposing defenses this season. Hopefully, more consistent play from Price and a wider variety of offensive options for the Huskies won’t leave the teams’s offense entirely on Sankey’s shoulders.

WR – Kasen Williams, Jaydon Mickens, DiAndre Campbell

Even though I love Damore’ea Stringfellow’s potential, and Washington has one of the best wide receiver recruiting classes in the country, I’m picking all veterans for my starting three receivers.

Kasen Williams needs no explanation. But even though there are older players on the roster, Jaydon Mickens and DiAndre Campbell both played splendidly in the spring and are ready to contribute. Both got valuable experience last year and are excellent athletes who should thrive in UW’s uptempo offense.

TE – Austin Seferian-Jenkins

Only the best tight end in the country, Austin Seferian-Jenkins is a likely first round NFL draft pick should he choose to go pro at the end of the season. The only hiccup is a DUI incident several months back, but there has been nothing to indicate he will be unable to play in the first game.

LT – Micah Hatchie

Things get a little less certain with the offensive line, a unit with a strong incoming class and a number of starters returning from injury. At left tackle, Micah Hatchie has the size (6’5” and 300) and experience (started every game at left tackle in 2012) to be the clear choice here.

LG – Dexter Charles

Coming off starting 11 of 13 games at left guard last year, Dexter Charles won the team’s Offensive Lineman of the Year award and will only come back better in 2013.

It’s likely the offensive line will be a heavily rotating group of 7-9 players during the season, so both starters and second-stringers will see lots of playing time, but Charles has earned his starting spot

C – Mike Criste

Washington lost experienced starter Drew Schaefer here, but one of the true breakout players in the spring was junior Mike Criste. Criste played all over the line last year, and although he suffered something of a baptism by fire, his improvement was noticeable during the spring game.

Although I was projecting incoming freshman Dane Crane (watch him regardless) to start here, Criste has played his way to the top of the depth chart.

RG – James Atoe

The massive (6’6”, 335) James Atoe is the presumptive starter at right guard, although Colin Tanigawa might contend once he returns fully from injury. Atoe moved around the line a lot last year, but gained valuable experience in his first meaningful season and should be serviceable, at least, right of center.

RT – Ben Riva

Coming off missing five games last season due to a broken arm, Ben Riva is the unquestioned choice to anchor the right side of Washington’s offensive line.

Riva started every game at right tackle last season once he returned from injury and did nothing to weaken his position in the spring game.

It’s highly possible that will be the lineup the Huskies trot out on opening day, and in terms of experience, it’s a huge step up from last year. Coming up in Part II, we’ll break down the defense.

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The Revenge of David Stern appears to have reached an unhappy conclusion for Seattle.

But while this is a short-term setback, Seattle is almost guaranteed to have an NBA team in the next few years.

The city is one of the largest markets in America, it’s a basketball hotbed, it’s already proven it can support multiple professional sports teams, and a brand new multi-sport arena is in the works.

The last item, the arena, is an absolute necessity for a modern NBA team and something many franchises (like Sacramento or Milwaukee) are lacking.

So take heart, Seattle, it’s only a matter of time.

On that note, I spent a couple hours that I should’ve used applying for internships, replacing my dying computer, or cleaning my car watching old Sonics highlights to put together the all-time starting five.

The following are the five greatest players to ever step foot onto a Seattle professional basketball court.

Center: 

Any real Sonics fan should know the roster of the 1979 NBA championship team, a lineup anchored by the 6’11” force in the paint, Jack Sikma.

Dale Ellis rained down three’s during his time in Seattle. (Photo: Google)

A seven time All-Star who averaged 15.6 points and 9.8 boards a game lifetime, Sikma was a solid defender and one of the best shooting centers of all time.

Little-known fact: Sikma led the entire league in free throw percentage from 1977-1978, shooting an astonishing 92.2%.

He gets the nod here for his presence on the only Seattle sports team to ever win a professional championship.

Power Forward

Before Lob City, back in a time when Rain City had a basketball team, Gary Payton and the high-flying Shawn Kemp would shower opponents with lob dunks, and when it reigned, it poured.

One of the most athletic players in NBA history, The Reignman was his generation’s more complete version of Blake Griffin.

The GP-Kemp Sonics dynasty of the ’90s never won a ring, but it was one of the strongest teams of the generation, that had the misfortune to play against arguably the greatest team of all time, Jordan’s ’96 Bulls, in the NBA finals.

At the start of his career, the straight-from-high-school Kemp was the youngest player in the league.

He didn’t let that stop him en route to becoming a dominant two-way force in the paint and one of the greatest dunkers of all time.

Yes, he fathered way too many children and was never the same player after he left Seattle. But while I don’t endorse those attributes at all, this isn’t my all-time Best Pro Athlete Parents Starting Five (coming soon!).

Kemp was a Seattle Supersonics legend, and to cement his local presence, his son currently plays for University of Washington.

Small Forward:

The best center in Sonics history. (Photo: nba.com)

Less well known than the rest of our starting five, Dale Ellis gets the nod here. Ellis was a central part of the perennial playoff Sonics teams of the late 80s.

Although he only played four and half seasons in Seatown, Ellis was a prolific scorer and one of the greatest three point shooters of all time.

Ellis is seventh all time in three point shots made and still holds the NBA record for most minutes played in a single game (69, in a five-overtime loss to the Bucks in 1989).

Shooting Guard

The greatest three point shooter wore green and yellow. But so did the only Finals MVP in Supersonics history.

It’s tough, but Dennis Johnson gets the nod over Ray Allen at shooting guard in our all time starting 5.

Ray Allen’s range was anywhere from 10 feet to the parking lot, but Dennis Johnson was phenomenally athletic and one of the most incredibly underrated players in history.

He was a lethal defensive stopper and averaged 15.9 points and 3.5 assists on the 1979 championship team.

Although some of his best years were spent on other teams, and he had some assault issues with his wife (again, not my All-Time Best Pro Athlete Parent list), he was the Finals MVP in Seattle’s only championship season.

That says enough.

Point Guard

The Glove is still fighting for the steal in Seattle. (Photo: espn.go.com)

GP. 20. The Glove. The greatest defensive guard ever. A legendary trash talker. Arguably the best two-way point guard of all time. Can you tell I have a man crush on Gary Dwayne Payton?

Payton racked up nine All-Star appearances, matched by his nine All-Defense First Team appearances.

He remains the only point guard to ever win the Defensive Player of the Year award, and at various times in his career, led the NBA for a season in assists, steals, and three-pointers.

You could go on and on listing ridiculous statistics and records Payton produced. There was nothing he couldn’t do.

Payton has been a pillar of Pacific Northwest basketball since his days as a college star for Oregon State. His best NBA years were with the Sonics. And he’s been actively involved in the effort to bring the NBA back to Seattle.

That last off-the-court achievement cements his status as one of the greatest Sonics ever. He can bring the ball upcourt in my team anytime.

I’m going to grab Lenny Wilkens as my all-time coach for this team. Sikma, Ellis, The Reignman, DJ, and The Glove are the greatest Seattle Supersonics starting five of all time.

Best defensive frontcourt in NBA history? Quite possibly. Shooting? They’ve got it. Athleticism? In spades. I’m done. You’re not beating that team.

Bonus: Backups

Center: Sikma narrowly beats out Spencer Haywood, who was more dominant at times and Seattle’s biggest star in the team’s early years, but never won a ring with in Seattle. He also loses points for a cocaine addiction.

Forwards: Detlef Schrempf and Xavier McDaniel. Detlef was the prehistoric Dirk Nowitzki, a ginormous German with a gentle shooting touch.

McDaniel, the X-man, was one of the best rebounders in Sonics history and helped anchor the competitive Sonics squads of the late ’80s alongside Dale Ellis.

Guards: Ray Allen and Gus Williams. Although “Downtown” Fred Brown almost made it for his long-range shooting, we’ve got plenty of gunners already.

Allen was the best player on the Sonics throughout the 2000s. Gus Williams averaged more points and assists than DJ on the 1979 championship team.

Toughest omissions: Fred Brown, Slick Watts, Tom Chambers, Nate McMillan, Lonnie Shelton

Easiest omissions: Jim McIlvaine, Calvin Booth, Patrick Ewing, Howard Schultz.

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In one of the most drawn-out sports melodramas in recent memory, a string of recent events and decisions has left the Sacramento Kings unlikely to relocate to Seattle.

Here’s a brief recap of the past few months and what happened.

Early January

Rumors circulated in through the blogopshere that a Seattle-based investor group composed of Steve Ballmer, Chris Hansen and members of the Nordstrom family is poised to buy the Sacramento Kings from the maligned and financially-troubled Maloof family. With nervous excitement, Seattleites gossip to one another in independent coffee shops over low-fat soy lattes that this might finally be it.

January 20th

USA Today reported that the Maloof family would be officially selling their share of the team to the Seattle investor group, although the story really broke on the Twitterverse first. Seattleites rejoice.

February 28th

The Mayor of Sacramento, Kevin Johnson, speaks out against the offer and announces plans to gather a rival investor group to pay for a new arena and keep the team in Sactown. “Why didn’t we have a mayor like that?” Seattleites ask one another.

The city of Seattle is itching for the return of the Sonics. (Photo: Jay aspian Kang via Grantland)

Late March

A Sacramento investor group takes shape. Then, 24-Hour Fitness founder Mark Mastrov, Qualcomm CEO Paul E. Jacobs and the leader of the group, Silicon Valley uber-billionaire Vivek Ranadive, pledge funding for a new arena in Sacramento. Seattleites start to get jittery(er).

April 29th

In a stunning dagger to the heart of those hoping to bring the NBA back to Seattle, the NBA Board of Governors Relocation Committee voted unanimously against moving the team to Seattle. It looked like the making of “Kingsgate: Requiem for a Team,” would be delayed.

Seattleites haven’t been this disappointed in a sports team since the Mariners in the year 2002-2013.

May 10th

In a power play, Chris Hansen increased the size of his offer to buy 65 percent of the Kings by a casual $75 million dollars. This would drive the total value of the team up to $625 million if sold, the highest any NBA franchise has ever been valued.

While driving from one coffee shop to another, Seattleites eagerly play Wu-Tang’s “Cash Rules Everything Around Me” in their cars and remain hopeful.

May 15th

The NBA Relocation and Finance Committee met to discuss the ongoing auction of the team. Although the NBA said nothing, it was reported that no new recommendations would be issued. A final vote will be held Wednesday the 15th.

Seattleites are upset, and rightfully so.

Sidenote: The Maloofs have stated that if the NBA blocks the sale of the franchise to Hansen & friends, they will go ahead and sell 20 percent of the team to the Seattle investor group anyway – a move that 75 percent of owners would have to approve, so it’s not quite clear if this is plausible.

So where does that leave us? Hoping that Hansen’s increased bid might sway the owners. If the final vote is against relocation, it’s uncertain what will happen, but Seattle’s search for an NBA team might need to start over.

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Ever since Keith Price choked away the MAACO Bowl and Apple Cup in back-to-back blunder-fests, sealing both losses with ill-timed late interceptions to cap a mediocre season, many Washington Huskies fans have been calling for one of the team’s younger quarterbacks to be appointed starter. And with good reason. Price’s decision-making, accuracy and pocket presence were all abysmal.

But he’ll start for Washington on Aug. 31 in the Huskies’ first game, and here’s why.

Price Sucked Last Year

We all watched Price throw an interception in overtime in the Apple Cup – the one that the Washington State Cougars would take advantage of, leading to the game-winning field goal. And we all felt our hopes die in our hearts as Price threw a game-clinching interception in the late fourth quarter of the MAACO Bowl. And all season we watched Price make poor decisions,  be incapable of taking hits and take off from the pocket at ill-advised moments.

Keith Price may be the best fit in 2013 despite a subpar 2012 season.

Starting a new quarterback with no experience halfway through the year might have been even worse, but as soon as Boise State mobbed the field in Vegas, Washington fans turned towards Sark with expectant glares.

Who Else Have We Got?

Cyler Miles, Troy Williams, and Jeff Lindquist all saw time in the spring game. Lindquist played poorly, Williams played alright and Miles played quite well. He demonstrated the most accuracy, poise, and comfort in the system of these three.

So Why Isn’t Cyler Miles Starting?

Miles outplayed Williams and Lindquist, but Price outplayed all three of them by a clear margin in the spring game. The ]Price that was an outside contender for the Heisman in 2011 hasn’t completely vanished. He was completing passes, making smart plays and looking at home in Washington’s new offense.

Let’s touch on that, by the way. UW has installed a new no-huddle, up-tempo offense. What does that mean? The Huskies are  a fast, athletic team, and they will be maximizing that next year in the new offense. With Price’s speed and ability to make plays with his legs, he’s a natural fit, as long as remembers how to hold onto the ball.

A revamped and more experienced offensive line should make avoiding his frequent turnovers and fumbles much easier. And last season, Price was handicapped by Washington’s limited down-field receiving options, which were (top three) Kasen Williams, Austin Seferian-Jenkins, and my friend Evan sitting in section 26.

Increased depth, particularly at the receiver spot, should allow Price to spread the ball around. More options will mean less of Price holding onto the ball for way too long, which happened a lot last season, and usually ended in Price fleeing the pocket and being sacked violently. Bad times.

So there you have it. Price is the ideal fit for Washington’s new system and should have a significantly better season aided by deeper offensive lines and receiving corps.

It may seem unthinkable after how badly he played last year, but Price will likely be starting for the Huskies come August. Husky Nation will have to trust in Sark.

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In-between transfers, graduates, and incoming recruits, University of Washington Men’s basketball’s starting squad next year is up in the air.

Here’s the most likely starting  five for next year, with the potential challenger at each position.

Point Guard

Starter: Andrew Andrews

Challenger: Nigel Williams-Goss

Andrew Andrews gets the nod over incoming freshman Nigel Williams-Goss (Photo: Google)

This was a tough pick, but redshirt sophomore Andrew Andrews gets the nod over incoming freshman Nigel Williams-Goss.

After a redshirt year, Andrews put up around eight points, two assists and three rebounds in around 25 minutes a game in 2012-2013. The Oregon product has a tight handle and is cat-quick.

Williams-Goss is the highest profile recruit Washington is bringing in, and he will see major minute; but I think it is unlikely Lorenzo Romar starts a true freshman at point guard over a returner.

Williams-Goss  has size, smarts and scoring ability. He is a high-character leader who is a natural at the 1-spot. But I think at least for the first part of the season, Romar will defer to Andrews’ college experience and familiarity with UW’s system.

Shooting Guard

Starter: CJ Wilcox

Challenger: Darin Johnson

The smooth shooting C.J. Wilcox recently announced he would return to Washington for his senior year instead of declaring for the NBA draft. Despite a nagging foot injury in the second half of the season, Wilcox still led the Huskies with 16 points a game, four rebounds and two assists.

Wilcox turned down the bright lights of the league for one more season, and he’ll start every game at 2-guard.

Although guards Quinn Sterling and Hikeem Stewart return, neither saw major minutes last year, so I project incoming freshman Darin Johnson to take a lot of Wilcox’s bench time if he doesn’t redshirt. Johnson is hyper-athletic and gives Washington a boost off the bench at the 2.

Small Forward

Starter: Desmond Simmons

Challenger: Mike Anderson

The frontcourt is where things start to get less clear for the Huskies. A number of players are capable of filling multiple roles. At small forward, I think the best fit right now is the experienced and versatile Desmond Simmons. Simmons was the team’s second leading rebounder and chipped in a few points a game.

With Aziz N’Diaye gone, expect Simmons to play a larger role in the paint, and possibly even see time at the 4.

But I think we’ll see him initially using his flexible skill set to hurt teams from the 3-spot.

A 6’5″ JUCO transfer out of Missouri, I can’t find much on possible back up small forward Mike Anderson. He’s also listed as a shooting guard in some places, but considering he averaged almost 10 boards a game at Moberly Area Community College – and Washington has a logjam of guards – small forward is a more likely destination.

Power Forward

Starter: Shawn Kemp Jr.

Challenger: Jernard Jarreau

Relative unknowns Perris Blackwell and Jernard Jarreau could see time here, but returner Shawn Kemp Jr. has to be the favorite after averaging around six and three in 12 minutes last year.

Husky Nation is hopeful he’ll play a larger role this season. At 6’10”, along with Gilles Dierickx, he’ll contribute to a large UW frontline. His 2012-2013 season reminded me some of Aziz a few years back; raw, unrefined and inexperienced, but flashing the physical tools to be a player.

Husky Nation is hopeful that Shawn Kemp Jr. will play a larger role in 2013-14.

I was excited to see Washington had landed a 6’10” big man named Jernard Jarreau out of New Orleans a few years back. Jarreau has a big man body and the touch and deftness of a guard. He put a solid three and three up last year averaging 12 minutes a game. He’s more than capable of contributing size and post presence to the team as a backup 4.

Center

Starter: Gilles Dierickx

Challenger: Perris Blackwell

Many players, rappers, gangsters, and wiggers claim to “go hard in the paint.” Washington doesn’t.

A lack of size and scoring in the post has been a running problem for the Huskies ever since Jon Brockmann left. Matthew Bryan-Amaning contributed a few strong years as an undersized, yet uber-athletic post player, but there’s been a vacancy close to the hoop that’s handicapped Washington’s last few seasons.

With that said, I’m not sure 6”11” Florida International transfer Gilles Dierickx is the answer to Washington’s woes, but he’s the best option right now.

The tallest player on the team now that Aziz N’Diaye is gone, this upcoming season will be Dierickx’s first playing in purple and gold. Dierickx is unproven and didn’t put up great numbers at FIU, but for now, he’s what the Huskies will be trotting out at center.

Equally unknown and inexperienced is possible backup Perris Blackwell, the 6’9” USF transfer. But this duo has size, something Washington needs.

Andrews, Wilcox, Simmons, Kemp Jr., and Dierickx will be taking the court for the Huskies in the first exhibition game of next season. But more importantly, the Huskies also have size and athletic ability coming off the bench, giving this Washington squad a deeper, more well-rounded look than one-dimensional teams of past years.

It’s early, but I’m optimistic, and you should be too, Husky Nation.

Woof.

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It’s that glorious time of the year where football fans, after months of cold, bitter, football withdrawal, have a glimmer of hope on horizon. It’s spring football season, that magical time of the year rabid fans anxiously attempt to gauge the team’s progress through spring practices and drills.

Here’s five things to keep in mind as the Huskies begin spring scrimmaging.

Quarterback Battles

This is the obvious elephant in the room. Keith Price ended last season on a spectacularly bad note, choking away the Apple Cup and MAACO Bowl in Washington’s last two games . His starter status remains to be seen in 2013. Troy Williams, Jeff Lindquist, and Cyler Miles will all be gunning for the position.

Price struggled all season with decision making and holding onto the ball, and now as spring rolls around, Husky Nation will be following the starting quarterback battle closely.

It’s anyone’s game.

Husky Stadium

CenturyLink Field is a great place to play (for the home team) but it’ll be good to take the Dawg Pack back to Montlake. The brand new Husky Stadium is nearing completion. It’ll be good for Washington to be back playing at home.

Jaydon Mickens and DiAndre Campbell should have the experience under their belts to contribute next season.

Injury Recoveries

Washington was struck early and struck hard by bad luck with injuries in 2012. Preseason, starting lineman Colin Porter had to leave the team because of chronic shoulder issues. Jesse Callier went down with a torn ACL against San Diego State.

Offensive linemen Erik Kohler and Ben Riva were sidelined for parts of the season with knee and arm injuries. Guard Colin Tanigawa was knocked out for the year with a knee injury as well. And although his injury was less severe in nature, Austin Seferian-Jenkins’s nagging ankle injury could be seen slowing him down at times.

Hopefully, the Huskies will come out healthy next season.

Freshmen

Washington ranked in an exceptionally strong recruiting class this year, another tribute to Steve Sarkisian’s skills as a recruiter. While most of the class will likely take a redshirt, a few are strong candidates to play major minutes. Checkout my signing day breakdown for more, but don’t be surprised next fall to see true freshmen logging major minutes.

Previously mentioned quarterback Troy Williams, wide receivers Darrell Daniels and Damore’ea Stringfellow, and defensive tackle Elijah Qualls are a few to keep an eye on.

Receiving Depth

Quick!

Who was Washington’s third option in the air this year after Kasen Williams and ASJ? Uhhh…..there wasn’t really one (Bishop Sankey doesn’t count). But Washington heads into 2013 with refreshing depth at the receiver spots in particular.

Kasen Williams will be one of the best receivers in the Pac-12. Freshmen Daniels and Stringfellow are both athletic playmakers with the size and athletic ability to thrive in the PAC. Lesser hyped freshmen Jermaine Kelly also has the potential to be very good, although I predict he will his career start on special teams.

And although they went through some growing pains this year, sophomores Jaydon Mickens and DiAndre Campbell should have the experience under their belts to contribute next season.

All these targets should help take the pressure of ASJ, who for the record, is also poised to be the best tight end in the country. 

A lot is up in the air as this Washington team continues to take shape.

But top to bottom, the team comes back deeper and more experienced. They’ll make an always stingy now Pac-12 an even tougher place.

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If I had to pick a favorite Seattle area athlete, I would think long and hard about it, then probably still give you a list of around 20. But basketball has always owned my heart—Washington Huskies basketball specifically—and in recent memory, one UW star has stood out more than others.

Arguably, in the last few years, no one has given the Dawgpack more hair-raising, feet-stomping, crowd-electrifying moments then the pint-size point guard with the biggest heart on the court—Isaiah Thomas.

Here are, in chronological order, five of my best memories from IT’s time at Washington.

*Warning: In the making of this article, excessive amounts of time was wasted watching YouTube highlights.

Isiah Thomas had a memorable career for the UW Huskies.

Isaiah Who? Spring 2008

Isaiah Thomas signs a letter of intent to play for the University of Washington Men’s Basketball program. He originally committed to UW in April 2006 before academic circumstances led to him taking an extra year at the South Kent School in Connecticut.

At 5’9” and 170 pounds, Thomas was ranked as the 65th-best point guard in the country and he earned a ranking of 76 according to ESPN. He was the least-hyped player in the Huskies’ recruiting class for that year.

Despite his lack of size, he starred for South Kent and Curtis High School in Seattle as a combo guard, carving up defenses with his explosive slashing ability and lethal shot. The Pac-12 would soon come to know both.

Washington vs. Florida: November 25, 2008

As a true freshman, Isaiah played out of his mind against nationally-ranked UF, dropping 17 points and nine assists with three rebounds, an assist and a block in an 86-84 loss. He had played well up to that point, but that game helped establish him as a special player and a fearless competitor.

He donned Nate Robinson’s old No. 2 jersey (with Robinson’s blessing) and would wear it during his entire time at Washington.

Isaiah Out-duels Klay Thompson: March 10, 2011

Fast forward two seasons. Thomas has developed a more well-rounded game, improved his inconsistent free-throw shooting and matured overall as a player. He emerged as the clear leader of the 2010-11 Huskies, following Quincy Pondexter’s departure.

Washington went into the 2010 Pac-12 (then Pac-10) tournament having dropped both regular season clashes against Washington State. In an epic back-and-forth battle, Thomas and Washington State gunner Klay Thompson quickly emerged as the go-to guys of their teams, guarding each other and matching big shots and plays.

Thompson would break the Pac-12 tournament record for points in a game by dropping 43 with an astonishing eight three-pointers. But Washington never wavered. Thomas dropped a cool 22 points, but never forgot his team, notching a remarkable 11 assists.

If you combine the buckets and assists of both players, Thomas actually accounted for more points. IT’s leadership that day kept the team alive during tough stretches, as UW pulled out a huge win.

Pac-10 Championship Finals: March 12th, 2011

I don’t even need to say anything. Isaiah’s finest moment.

2011 NBA Draft

On June 23, 2011, with the sixteenth pick of the 2011 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings selected junior point guard Isaiah Thomas from the University of Washington.

An under-recruited 5’9” kid nobody had heard of had come a long way. A few months later, Isaiah would be named the February NBA Western Conference Rookie of the Month, in the midst of a solid season.

Starting for the Kings every night at the 1, Thomas has averaged 14 and four daily. Husky Nation couldn’t be prouder. 

It’s been real, Isaiah. As much as I wish you’d returned for your senior year, it was the right decision to go when you did. But we’ll always have our memories of Thomas’ remarkable career at Washington.

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With University of Washington men’s basketball ending an up-and-down season on a disappointing note, it’s time to shift directions and start thinking more about next year.

With that said, let’s break down the careers of UW’s three graduating seniors, their impacts, and how they’ll be replaced.

Abdul Gaddy

First, let’s say goodbye to point guard Abdul Gaddy. The Tacoma product was many things in his time at UW. Injured was one. Underwhelming was another. Hot and cold was a third. But overall Abdul Gaddy was one of the most frustrating players to come through Washington.

Abdul Gaddy was one of the more polarizing Huskies this season. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

I remember the excitement Husky Nation felt when Gaddy, all-everything star at Bellarmine Prep, inked his letter of intent to Washington. The 14th best player in the country. The number two point guard in the nation.

The undisputed best player in Washington State.In the same recruiting class Peyton Siva, Kawhi Leonard and Thomas Robinson were just a few of the names ranked behind him. Only former UK star and now Washington Wizards starting point guard John Wall was considered better at the one.

We were excited for Gaddy, to say the least.Gaddy was a smart and savvy player who knew his game. He nad a number of shifty moves and was a solid ball handler. His court vision, passing, and overall ability to run a game were exceptional. But the warning signs that eventually led to his underwhelming career at UW were there.

He wasn’t a great athlete. He lacked elite speed or lateral quickness, which hurt him in transition or in man defense. There was a tremendous amount of pressure on him. And he was incredibly, incredibly young. 17 as a college freshman and only turning 21 two months ago in his senior year, Gaddy was often at a physical and experience disadvantage.

Throw in a lost season due to an ACL tear sophomore year, and you can see how Gaddy’s career ended up disappointing a lot of people. We’ll remember Abdul Gaddy for never being as good as he should’ve been. Or as we wanted him to. But when healthy, he was a solid if unspectacular point guard capable of handling a team well.

Andrew Andrews and Nigel Williams-Goss will be more than capable of running the point next season, though.

Aziz N’Diaye

Never in recent memory have the Huskies had a player quite like Aziz N’Diaye. A 7’0” 260 JUCO transfer from Idaho, and originally, Senegal, N’Diaye was memorable. Washington’s first ever player from Africa, N’Diaye’s name itself was often misspelled and mispronounced (eh-ziz enn-jigh, rhymes with N-high), but his sheer size made him unforgettable.

N’Diaye came to Washington with great physical tools and very little else. His first season was mainly spent getting into the low post, catching a pass in traffic, and then promptly dropping or fumbling it away. In his next season, he revamped his strength and conditioning and contributed some solid minutes.

But it wasn’t until 2012 that N’Diaye finally developed a well-rounded game and became a much smarter player.

Aziz N’diaye improved all 4 years at Washington, becoming a much better player

His lack of basketball experience is understandable given that he never touched a basketball growing up until the age of 14. But his senior year, he came up strong for the Huskies, finally being the contributing post presence lacking in so many recent Washington teams.

Averaging 8.9 points and 9.9 boards, N’Diaye, although it certainly took him a while to develop as a player, will be missed as a force down low.

Some draft websites have N’Diaye as a possible late second round pick, so keep your eyes peeled for more basketball in the future for the big man.

Scott Suggs

The last of Washington’s three seniors, sharpshooting guard Scott Suggs finishes up an injury-limited career in Seattle nevertheless having put up solid numbers and contributed to the team every year. An unlikely Washington commit hailing from Missouri originally, Suggs improved noticeably every year and finished up this season averaging 12.2 points a game plus a few rebounds and assists.

Suggs was poised for a great season last year as well, but an ill-timed foot injury forced him to redshirt the season, a big loss for the Dawgs.

Suggs was a classic example of a player who came in with some talent and was molded by Lorenzo Romar over the course of four years into a smart, effective, and reliable all-around player.

Although Washington is often a team stacked with shooters, Suggs will be missed regardless for his versatility, range, and intangibles.

Cue up the music and lay out the carpet, graduation is around the corner, and Washington is losing three solid players. But with the depth of the team and recruiting class Romar is putting together though, the net effect should be negligible. Best of luck to our soon-to-be graduates, and thanks for all the great memories.

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Unless you live under a rock or something, if you reside in the state of Washington and follow college basketball, you know the Huskies are having a rough time. 15-13 and 8th in the Pac-12 pretty much sums up anything I could say.

Coming into the season, C.J. Wilcox was an NBA prospect (and still is). Aziz N’Diaye was poised for the breakout season that by any statistical measure, he has achieved.

Washington has skill, passing, and shooting at the guard spots and length and strength in the paint. So why is this the worst Washington team in the last few years?

Washington basketball has been cranking out roller coaster seasons for the past few years. Inexcusably dropping games early in the year has always been more or less written off by a Pac-12 regular season or tournament championship, or a sweet 16 run.

C.J. Wilcox has had his ups and downs this season, despite being highly touted

College hoops is a wild and inconsistent sport in general, which is partly why it’s so fun to follow, but the Huskies have been the most mercurial team in the Pac-12 these last few years. And sometimes they can’t always climb back up after a drop. Take a look at last season when #1 seeded Tony Wroten-led Washington crashed out of the Pac-12 tournament in their first game and didn’t make the big dance.

This year has been more of the same. Early losses against Albany and Colorado State were offset by a stretch of steady, consistent play for a few weeks. Then in late January, Washington collapsed.

A beating at home from Utah on January 19th started the Dawgs on a four game losing streak, finally broken up by a win over Arizona State. The Huskies promptly went on to lose three more games, including a heartbreaking buzzer beater loss against UCLA on February 7th.

It hasn’t all been gloom and doom. As mentioned, N’Diaye is putting up 9.8 points and 9.5 rebounds nightly in his best season in Montlake to date. The smooth-shooting Wilcox snapped out of a mid-season slump a few weekends ago to drop 24 on Oregon State for a win. He continues to lead the Huskies, averaging 17.1 points a game despite battling a stress fracture.

Unknown quantity Shawn Kemp Jr. has put up solid numbers and provided a force in the paint for Washington, a weakness among the smaller teams the Huskies have fielded the last few years.

And the quickness and ball skills of Andrew Andrews, even while splitting time with Abdul Gaddy, makes me feel okay about next year. And that’s what it’s time to focus on.

If Washington wins their last three games (all home against WSU, USC, UCLA: easy, doable, tough, respectively) then they will be at least an eight seed in the Pac-12 tournament. From there, it would take three straight wins to clinch the title.

Given that my intramural team has a better chance of getting an at-large bid, the only route to the big dance for the Dawgs is the tourney.

Washington has won it as an underdog before, but six straight wins against teams the Huskies have majorly struggled against in the regular season is asking quite a bit.

With that said, fate didn’t do the Huskies a ton of favors. Injuries to a number of players, an increasingly competitive Pac-12,  Abdul Gaddy’s so-so play (Gaddy, incidentally, failed to live up to his high school hype more so than any other UW player past or present), a couple nailbiting losses that could’ve gone either way: Washington is better than a 15-13 team. But it’s in the books now.

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