Washington Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Huskies

KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 06: Nahziah Carter #11 and Noah Dickerson #15 of the Washington Huskies celebrate after the Huskies defeated the Kansas Jayhawks 74-65 to win the game at the Sprint Center on December 6, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

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TUCSON, AZ – JANUARY 14: Noah Dickerson #15 of the Washington Huskies is defended by Justin Simon #3 of the Arizona Wildcats during the second half of the college basketball game at McKale Center on January 14, 2016 in Tucson, Arizona. The Arizona Wildcats beat the Washington Huskies 99-67. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) /

Starters

PG – SR David Crisp

The “defacto” starting point guard for the Huskies, Crisp led the team in assists last season, although 3.1 apg is a pretty low number for to be No. 1 on a 20+ win team. His shooting efficiency took a dip, including going from 37%-29% from three-point range. The senior is still expected to start and continue to grow as a ball handler but there’s a possibility that Crisp may be better suited as a sixth man, where his offense is better needed.

SG- SO Jaylen Nowell

It wasn’t a surprise that the top-75 recruit was going to be a factor for Washington last season, yet leading the team in scoring (16.0 ppg) in 32.5 mpg surpassed some of the most optimistic expectations. The 6’4 guard is an outstanding offensive player but is underrated in how good he is at rebounding, passing and defense. Depending on how the team performs in the Pac-12 this season, don’t be surprised if Nowell gets some POY consideration.

SF – SR Matisse Thybulle

West Virginia’s Jevon Carter has been the dubbed the best individual defender in college basketball the last couple of seasons. With him gone, Thybulle is the most likely to take his place. Statistically, the 6’5 wing was the clear best defender in the Pac-12, leading the conference in steals (2nd nationally with 101), while placing in the top-10 in blocks as well. Throw in the fact that he’s a consistent double-digit scorer with a career 38% three-point shot, and the senior ranks as arguably one of the top “3 and D” player in the country this season.

PF – SR Noah Dickerson

Dickerson has been steadily improving his game each season with Washington, averaging 15.5 ppg and 8.4 rpg his junior year. Outside of having a tremendous offensive game inside along with rebounding, the rising senior still isn’t great in terms of being a defender, passer and tends to get into foul trouble. Considering that he still has room to improve, Dickerson will be vital for the Huskies’ plans in contending near the top of the league.

C – JR Sam Timmins

Although his stats (4.3 ppg and 4.6 rpg) don’t initially impress, Timmins made vast improvements in his second season in the program. He averaged over 10 rpg per 40 minutes and was better shooting the ball. The biggest question for Timmins will be whether he can be an adequate defender in the 2-3 zone the former Syracuse assistant will deploy at times. Otherwise, he’ll struggle to get more than 20 mpg.

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