Washington Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Huskies

Non-conference for Washington

Nov. 6 (H) – Western Kentucky

Nov. 9 (A) – Auburn

Nov. 12 (H) – San Diego

Nov. 18-21 (N) – Vancouver Showcase (Santa Clara, Texas A&M and Minnesota)

Nov. 27 (H) – Eastern Washington

Dec. 2 (H) – UC Santa Barbara

Dec. 5 (A) – Gonzaga

Dec. 9 (H) – Seattle

Dec. 15 (N) – Virginia Tech

Dec. 21 (H) – Sacramento State

Jan. 1 (H) – Cal State Fullerton

This is an overall strong schedule, with a couple of preseason top-15 teams (Auburn and Gonzaga), along with several other strong opponents such as VT and Minnesota. In the opening six games, there are five possible losses, with both San Diego and Western Kentucky bringing back some quality players for their respective programs. The Gophers should be healthy, while the Aggies are a sleeper team in the SEC.

Ever since the rivalry resumed between Washington and Gonzaga, it’s been all Bulldogs, with a pair of humiliating blowouts defining the series so far. And here’s the problem for Huskie fans – it might happen again despite Washington returning all of their key players.

Not only does Gonzaga have three possible first-rounders on their roster in Rui Hachimura, Killian Tillie and Zach Norvell, the Bulldogs once again bring in quality transfers (Geno Crandall and Brandon Clarke) along with fifth-year senior point guard Josh Perkins. They’re a consensus top-5 preseason team and is incredibly difficult to beat in the Kennel. If the Huskies can’t beat them this year with all these seniors this year, this could become a one-sided rivalry really quick.

One potential trap game for the team will be Cal State Fullerton at the beginning of the new year, which is right before the start of the new year. The Titans return All-Big West performer Kyle Allman along with other key contributors. If the Huskies look ahead to conference play, it could bite them in the butts.