Washington Basketball: What makes the Huskies a Pac-12 contender?

Senior leaders take charge

Poise and experience can go a long way in college basketball. While talent is obviously the most important ingredient for a winning team, these two qualities can turn a team into a conference title contender. And in regards to Washington basketball this year, the program is returning three top-tier seniors in Noah Dickerson, David Crisp, and Matisse Thybulle. And considering all of these players bring something different to the table, they gel together well when on the court.

Leading the way for this group, though, will be Dickerson, a 6-foot-8 forward who can impact every game in a number of ways. Even though I already wrote at length about Nowell’s potential earlier in this piece, Dickerson might be the most talented player on the roster. An elite big man, Dickerson posted an outstanding season a year ago, averaging 15.5 points and 8.4 rebounds on 56.9% shooting from the field.

Next, starting point guard David Crisp is an underrated leader for the Huskies. Despite not being the most efficient scorer or playmaker, Crisp is a sound defender who knows how to lead the team when on the court. Over the course of last season, the 6-foot-0 guard averaged 11.6 points (.380/.286/.664), 2.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists (2.4 turnovers) per game.

Lastly, Matisse Thybulle is arguably the best returning defender in the nation. A 6-foot-5 wing with plenty of athleticism and NBA potential, Thybulle can lock up just about anyone. Additionally, he is developing quickly on the offensive end, averaging 11.2 points on shooting slashes of .445/.365/.714.