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Washington Basketball: 2019-20 season preview for Huskies

By Charlie DiSturco

COLUMBUS, OHIO - MARCH 24: Head coach Mike Hopkins of the Washington Huskies reacts to a play against the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game in the Second Round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament at Nationwide Arena on March 24, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OHIO - MARCH 24: Head coach Mike Hopkins of the Washington Huskies reacts to a play against the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game in the Second Round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament at Nationwide Arena on March 24, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Photo Credit: Gregory Shamus – Getty Images
Photo Credit: Gregory Shamus – Getty Images /

Starters

PG – SO Elijah Hardy

This position is Quade Green’s to lose when he’s eligible to return in 2020, but it looks like sophomore Elijah Hardy will open the season as the starter. The 6-foot-2 Hardy is a pass-first guard and exactly what the Huskies need to round out a starting lineup that features multiple dynamic scorers. During Washington’s trip to Italy, Hardy played 20 minutes per game and averaged 5.5 assists in that time. Though he didn’t play much last season, Hardy will bring a defensive mentality complemented by his passing ability.

SG – JR Nahziah Carter

Nahziah Carter is the most experienced returner from a season ago and will lead this young Washington offense. The 6-foot-6 wing averaged 8.1 points on 47.8-percent shooting and 2.4 rebounds in 20.5 minutes per game his sophomore season. He has shown strength in isolation and boasts athleticism that’ll lead to plenty of highlight-reel dunks. Carter struggles at times with his 3-point shooting but is a physical body that pairs well with Hopkins’ 2-3 zone.

SF – JR Hameir Wright

Despite starting 26 of Washington’s 32 games last season, Hameir Wright averaged just 17.9 minutes per game. He struggled to get any footing on offense — 2.8 points on 27.1 percent shooting — but made his impact known on the defensive side of the ball (1.4 blocks per game). Wright will likely have a similar role this season because of his limited capabilities on offense, but he’ll still see decent minutes because of his defense.

PF – FR Jaden McDaniels

Four months after Isaiah Stewart’s commitment to the Huskies, five-star Jaden McDaniels followed suit. There’s a lot to love about the 6-foot-9 forward, who is a natural scorer and has the length to pair with it. McDaniels, who has drawn comparisons to Kevin Durant, averaged 23.2 points and 10.3 rebounds per game this past season for Federal Way (Washington) High School. This freshman will be an instant star and even has a shot at being selected No. 1 in the 2020 NBA Draft.

C – FR Isaiah Stewart

Another five-star recruit and one-and-done prospect, Isaiah Stewart will make an impact immediately at Washington. Not only will the 6-foot-9, 240-pound center anchor the middle of the 2-3 zone, but Stewart’s length and knack for rebounding will be extremely effective on the offensive glass, too.  He averaged 18.0 points and 11.1 rebounds in the Nike EYBL circuit last year and should have no problem adjusting to the fast pace of the NCAA.

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