NBA Draft Prospects: Quincy Pondexter, Washington

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Stats: 19.3 ppg, 7.4 rpg (3.0 off), 1.3 spg, 1.9 t/o's, 52.3% FG, 82.7% FT

Size:

• Listed: 6'6", 220 lb, 22 yrs old
  
• Combine: Did not attend the combine
  

About Him: Quincy Pondexter was a highly sought after recruit coming out of high school, but through the first three years of his career at Washington, he was unable to fulfill that lofty potential. The reasons Pondexter was so highly regarded are evident in simply looking at any youtube clip of him -- Pondexter is a well-built 6'6", 220 lb wing with long arms, solid perimeter skills, and excellent explosiveness.

As a senior, Pondexter's game and the work he has put in to develop his game really began to show. The most effective part of his game right now is his ability to attack the basket as a scorer. Averaging right around 20 ppg for the entire season, Pondexter got the majority off his offense in isolation situations where he proved to be a very difficult matchup. Showing a solid -- not flashy, but serviceable and effective -- handle and a quick first step, Pondexter really attacked the basket well this season. He's an excellent finisher around the rim, using that athleticism to dunk over defenders and his strength to absorb contact. He took more than six free throws a game as a senior, which goes to show his aggressiveness attacking the rim.

While Pondexter made some great strides as a slasher in his four seasons at U-Dub, he still has a way to go to improve his jumper. To be fair, Pondexter is without a doubt a better shooter than he was when he entered school. He has developed a decent little pull-up jumper, and he can knock down some floaters and runners in the paint, shots that weren't in his arsenal a few years ago. From three, Pondexter did shoot over 35%, but it was on a very limited number of shots.

Another interesting aspect of Pondexter's game is his efficiency. For someone who took as many shots as he did in an isolation situation, Pondexter had a low turnover rate and a high field goal percentage. He doesn't jack up a lot of shots, he doesn't force the issue offensively, and in general, he seems like a good decision maker.

This is one aspect of his game that he will need to continually improve. Pondexter got a lot of one-on-one opportunities playing in Lorenzo Romar's spread offense this season, but he doesn't necessarily project as a guy that is going to dominate possession of the ball in the NBA. In other words, he's going to be a role player. That means that Pondexter will be forced to develop an NBA-caliber perimeter shot if he wants to have a long career in the league.

One aspect of Pondexter's game that I really like -- and that I think will help him latch on to an NBA team -- is his motor. He plays the game very hard. He attacks the offensive glass, using his length and athleticism to grab three offensive rebounds a game this past season. He was always moving, cutting, and coming off of screens on the offensive end. Defensively, he is active and intelligent, seeming to understand helpside defense. He leadership on this end of the floor seemed like it really helped a Washington team that, in general, regarded defense as an afterthought this year. His physical tools should allow him to be a very good defender at either the two or the three at the next level.

Comparison:

• Best Case Scenario: If Pondexter can improve his jump shot and become a respectable spot-up shooter, I don't see why he can't be a starter, a la Michael Pietrus, in the NBA. I think a more likely role will be a Travis Outlaw kind of player, potentially with a career arc similar to that of James Posey.
  
• Worst Case Scenario: I think Pondexter will, at the least, hang around the NBA as a defender and hustle player. Think Trenton Hassell.
  

Outlook: I like what Pondexter brings to the table. He's an excellent athlete with pretty ideal physical tools that plays the game hard (on both ends of the floor), is a capable scorer, and understands his limitations offensively. Its possible that he slips into the early second round, where I think he will be a steal.

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11/16 - College Hoops Week in Review

What we learned this week: There really isn't all that much to take from the games during the first week of the season. Team's are still trying to figure out their identity, players are trying to learn their new roles and how to play alongside their new teammates, and coaches are trying to figure out their rotation.

All told, the first week usually consists of major conference teams smacking around some low-majors, with the occasional upset and intriguing match-up sprinkled in.

We did learn a couple things, however. UNC, UConn, and Cal may not be as good as advertised. UNC and UConn are still trying to find an identity for their team (and some outside shooting), while Cal is dealing with the burden of playing with expectations. Syracuse, Ohio State, and Kansas State, on the other hand, look like they will be better than expected. Evan Turner of Ohio State is the real deal and a legit player of the year candidate. The Syracuse Orange proved that they are going to be a terror to deal with on the offensive end, while Kansas State showed that their front line is going to be long and athletic this season.

As the preseason tournaments really start to kick off this week, we will begin to learn much more about the best teams in the country.


GAME OF THE WEEK: Harvard 87, William & Mary 85 3OT

With just 14 seconds left in the third overtime, Harvard missed a pair of free throws that would have given them a three point lead. Instead, the Tribe's Sean McCurdy went the length of the floor and finished a lay-up to give William & Mary an 85-84 lead with four seconds left. Harvard's Jeremy Lin responded by, well, the video here explains it all.

Jeremy Lin reacts after hitting a game winner against William & Mary.
(photo credit: harvard.edu)

William & Mary was down by as much as 13 in the second half, but an off-balance three by Danny Sumner sent the game into the first overtime. Both the first and the second overtimes were tied in the last minutes after a player was fouled shooting a three and hit all three free throws. Lin, who hit the game winner, finished with 19 points, 9 assists, and 5 boards to lead the Crimson

Also good this week:

• Seton Hall 53, St. Peter's 51: A 35 footer by Eugene Harvey at the buzzer saved Seton Hall from an upset at the hands of the Peacocks.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Evan Turner, Ohio State

This was a tougher choice than I expected midway through the week, but Turner's two games this week were too much to pass up. Turner, a 6'7" point forward, notched just the second triple double in Ohio State history as he posted 14 points, 17 boards, and 10 assists in a 100-60 win over Alcorn State (remember those guys). Against James Madison on Thursday, Turner was equally impressive, posting 24 points, 17 boards, and 4 assists in another blowout win for the Buckeyes. All told, Turner finished the week with ridiculous averages of 19.0 ppg, 17.0 rpg, 7.0 apg, and 2.0 spg while committing just four turnovers and shooting 55% from the floor.

Evan Turner looked like the best player in the country this week.
(photo credit: examiner)

I've beaten the point to death by now, but what makes Turner so valuable this season is that he can grab a defensive rebound and lead the break without needing an outlet pass. Turner has also shown an excellent ability to make long lead passes, finding streaking teammates for easy buckets. Turner is far and away the early season MVP in college hoops.

Also good this week:

• Rotnei Clarke, Arkansas: Arkansas beat Alcorn State (did you remember?) 130-68, and Clarke was clearly their best player on the floor. He went for 51 points, knocking down 13 of 17 triples along the way.
• Manny Harris, Michigan: Turner wasn't the only Big Ten member to record a triple-double, as Harris went for 18 points, 13 boards, and 10 assists against DII Northern Michigan.
• Quincy Pondexter, Washington: With all the talk about Isaiah Thomas and Abdul Gaddy running the show for the Huskies, Pondexter quietly was their best player this weekend. In three games, he averaged 22.0 ppg, 11.0 rpg, shot 64% from the floor, missed just one of 19 free throws, and had eight assists to just three turnovers.
  

TEAM OF THE WEEK: Rider Broncs, Cornell Big Red

Both Rider and Cornell went down south this week to play a road game against an SEC team, and both came back a winner. Rider played an efficient, fundamental basketball game, especially in the second half. The Broncs were 10-16 from three during the game, and did not commit a turnover in the second half. It may have been their defense that won the game, however. The scored 18 points off of 10 MSU turnovers, and held the Bulldogs to just 10 second half field goals. Mike Ringold and Novar Gadson both went for 21 in the win, while Ryan Thompson and Justin Robinson added 16 and 15, respectively. The Broncs will face Lehigh at home before traveling to UVA and Kentucky before Thanksgiving.

Cornell used a 9-0 run to start the second half to open up a 35-20 lead over the Crimson Tide. Bama used their pressure to get the lead down to 53-52, but a Louis Dale three pushed it back to four, and the Tide never got that close again. Ryan Wittman had 23 to lead Cornell, while Dale finished with 13 points, 4 boards, and 5 assists.


Also good this week:

• Syracuse Orange: The Orange's defense looked absolutely suffocating as they forced 60 turnovers in two blowout wins.
  
• Oregon Ducks: Ernie Kent always seems to pull out a good season when he is on the hot seat, and his seat may have never been hotter than it was coming into this year. But with Tajuan Porter hot (he's averaged 24.5 ppg over his last two), the Ducks have started 3-0 and could make noise in a weak Pac 10.
  

MATCH-UPS OF THE WEEK:

• 11/16 - 5:30 pm: Milwaukee @ Western Kentucky
• 11/17 - 7:30 pm: Arkansas @ Louisville
  
• 11/17 - 8 pm: Gonzaga @ Michigan State
• 11/17 - 10 pm: Memphis @ Kansas
• 11/18 - 7:30 pm: Cornell @ UMass
• 11/18 - 8 pm: Butler @ Northwestern
• 11/18 - 8 pm: Utah State @ Utah
• 11/18 - 10:30 pm: Nevada @ UNLV
  
• 11/19 - 11:30 am: Georgia Tech vs. Dayton
• 11/19 - 7:00 pm: Syracuse vs. Cal
• 11/19 - 9:00 pm: UNC vs. Syracuse
• 11/19 - 9:30 pm: La Salle vs. South Carolina

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No. 10: 2009-2010 Team Preview: Washington Huskies

2008-2009 Record: 26-9, 14-4 Pac-10 (1st)

Key Losses: Jon Brockman (14.9 ppg, 11.5 rpg), Justin Dentmon (14.4 ppg, 2.7 apg)

Key Returners: Isaiah Thomas (15.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg), Quincy Pondexter (12.1 pg, 5.9 rpg), Matthew Bryan-Amaning (6.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg)

Newcomers: Abdul Gaddy, Clarence Trent, CJ Wilcox, Tyreese Breshers

Isaiah Thomas will team with Abdul Gaddy to form one of the most exciting back courts in the country.
(photo credit: Tucson Citizen)

Washington won the Pac-10 last season, and despite losing two of their top three scorers, many are predicting a second title in as many years for the Huskies.

The biggest reason for that is their back court. Sophomore Isaiah Thomas and freshman Abdul Gaddy will be as exciting as any duo in the country this season. We know what to expect out of Thomas this season. He is an excellent scorer, especially when he is putting the ball on the deck and getting to the paint. Despite being just 5'8", he is able to finish amongst the trees thanks to an array floaters and scoop shots. Thomas is at his best when he is playing in the open court, thanks to his shiftyness and his ability to handle the ball. Where he could still use some improvement is in his jump shot. He was inconsistent as a freshman, especially from beyond the three point line.

The biggest key for Thomas this season may actually be the addition of Abdul Gaddy. Thomas is better when he plays off the ball, looking to score first. Gaddy is more of a natural point guard that has drawn some comparisons to Mike Bibby. Gaddy's strength lies in his ability to handle and pass the ball. He isn't overly quick or bouncy, but his crossover is deadly and he can throw any pass with either hand on the money. His stroke has been much improved of late, and may end up being a strength for him at this point.

Joining those two in the back court will be Venoy Overton. Overton may be the best perimeter defender in the country. He is a ball hawk that will provide Lorenzo Romar with a defender for 94 feet. Offensively, he will get some points in transition, and knock down a three here and there. Sophomore Elston Turner and freshman CJ Wilcox will also see time in the back court. With the graduation of Justin Dentmon, the Huskies are going to need another scoring punch from the wing. Lorenzo Romar will be counting on one of these two to step up.

The front court is where the question marks are going to be. Gone is Jon Brockman, one of the best big man in the history of the Pac-10 conference. Brockman controlled the glass for the Huskies, and had a motor that couldn't quit. The issue was that, despite the fact he ran the floor hard, Brockman was far from what you would call a great athlete. So while his loss will no doubt hurt, given the Huskies increased emphasis on an uptempo style of play, getting more minutes from Matthew Bryan-Amaning and Darnell Gant may not be a terrible things.

Junior Bryan-Amaning is more talented than Gant, and will be counted on more for production. At 6'9", he can run the floor and finish, but his rebounding and defense will need to be improved. Gant is more of a hustle guy. As a redshirt freshman last season, he struggled a bit offensively and with his consistency. Redshirt freshman Tyreese Breshers should also see some minutes in the post.

Perhaps the key for Washington this year will be Quincy Pondexter. Pondexter was a highly regarded recruit coming out of high school, but until last season he really struggled with his ability and consistency. As a junior, Pondexter really began to develop an offensive game. He averaged 12.1 ppg and 5.9 rpg, scoring a lot of points as a result of his hustle and athleticism. Justin Holiday is another guy in similar shoes. Also 6'6", Holiday is a rangy athlete that is still coming into his own talent wise. Both Holiday and Pondexter should be able to thrive playing the forward spot in an uptempo system like Washington will play.

Outlook: The Huskies do have a ton of talent. Their back court is loaded with Thomas and Gaddy, and Bryan-Amaning and Pondexter both look primed for excellent seasons. The issue is going to be with how the Huskies can handle this change of style. Will their big guys be able to play against teams with bigger and stronger front lines? Will the athleticism on this roster be taken advantage of when they are in the open court? Will someone outside of Thomas develop into a shooter? Those are a lot of questions to be answered, but the Huskies will have time as they play in a watered down Pac-10. The league title will come down to U-Dub and Cal.

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