Washington Basketball: 2019-20 season preview for Huskies

Key Reserves

G – SO Quade Green

The only reason Quade Green is under key reserves stems from his ineligibility until January 2020. The Kentucky transfer will likely be inserted into Washington’s starting lineup as the point guard once eligible, sending Elijah Hardy back to the bench. A once five-star prospect, Green was benched his freshman season only to stay at UK until announcing his intent to transfer. Green provides instant offense — he averaged 8.0 points on 42.3 percent shooting from 3 in 17.8 minutes per game last year — and will be the veteran facilitator Washington needs with such a young and talented frontcourt.

G – SO Jamal Bey

If it weren’t for the lack of a true point guard, Washington would likely roll with Jamal Bey and Nahziah Carter in the backcourt. Though never really playing as a freshman, Bey saw double-digit minutes in the NCAA Tournament and was efficient in that time. The 6-foot-6 guard is a capable scorer and can shoot the 3, though he struggled in Washington’s Italy trip from deep. He’ll likely see a big minutes increase in 2019-20 and be looked on as a sixth man of sorts for the Huskies.

F – RF Nate Roberts

After sitting out his first season, Nate Roberts will be used off the bench. The 6-foot-10 forward will provide relief for the incoming freshmen, McDaniels and Stewart, using his physical body to make an impact on the glass. In the Huskies’ stint overseas, Roberts scored 9.0 points and grabbed 9.5 rebounds in just 17.2 minutes per game. He won’t start with a ton of minutes, but by the end of the season, expect him to carve out a solid role in the Washington rotation.

F – FR RaeQuan Battle

A 3-point shooter and the No. 91 recruit in the incoming freshmen class, RaeQuan Battle will likely not become an instant rotational player like Isaiah Stewart and Jaden McDaniels. In fact, it may take some time for the 6-foot-5 wing to adjust to NCAA play. During Washington’s short stint in Italy, Battle played the least of any scholarship player (15.3 minutes) and scored just 5.3 points on 22.7 percent shooting from 3. With time, Battle’s shot should adjust, and his athleticism and size should be a nice fit in Washington’s 2-3 zone. But don’t expect Battle to make an impact early on.

G – FR Marcus Tsohonis

For the time being, Marcus Tsohonis is the backup point guard to Elijah Hardy. He could very well take over the starting spot as the season progresses — up until Quade Green’s return — but this incoming freshman surprised many on the trip to Italy. Tsohonis should give a nice boost defensively while helping run the offense in his limited time off the bench. When Green returns, however, expect him to rarely see the floor.