2006 Washington Huskies Basketball Preview

2006 Washington Huskies Basketball Predictions

Last year’s Washington Huskies (26- 7 overall and 13- 5 PAC-10) made it to their third NCAA Tournament in a row. If they can get there this year, it will be the first time that Washington has gone to the Big Dance over four consecutive seasons. Coach Lorenzo Romar (85- 42 in 4 years) believes his guys can set the club record.

The outside shooting on this team is overall untested. Junior Ryan Appleby (7.9 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 1.9 APG, 43.8 FG%, 80.0 FT%) and his 3-pointer may get the nod as starting shooting guard, but he’ll have competition from talented freshman Adrian Oliver. Oliver can push the ball up the lane or hit a pull up jumper. Sophomore Justin Dentmon (8.3 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 3.8 APG, 40.9 FG%, 81.4 FT%) is an able playmaker and potent scorer. Look for him to start.

Freshman center Spencer Hawes arrives ready to use his 6’ 11” and 250-pound frame inside and outside. He can hit threes and also post up and put the ball through the hoop. The biggest question is how long will he stay at the college level? Sophomore Jon Brockman (8.4 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 0.7 APG, 51.8 FG%, 66.7 FT%) is a big man capable of banging inside, while redshirt freshman Joe Wolfinger brings another sizeable frame to the frontcourt. This is a big team from paint to post. Wolfinger can also hit threes.

Coach Romar acknowledges that this Husky team is stocked with inexperienced talent and that they will make their share of mistakes. But Romar’s push-it-up-the-court attack style of play seems well suited for the available talent. He’s also added a new inside-outside look that should help with the perimeter game. The determined discipline that Romar offers his players has paid off quickly for Washington.

The Huskies stand to finish in the top three of the PAC-10, making an NCAA bid very likely. Last season they lost to the other Husky team—Connecticut—in the Regional Semifinals. This year, it will be difficult for Washington to go any further than they did in 2005- 06.

If you want more info on the 2006 Washington Huskies College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check out some rival previews from Maddux Sports of schools like the Washington State Cougars and USC Trojans.