It's Washington in Seattle Friday night

University of Washington basketball is a little different than most. Sure the idea is to produce more points than their opponents by game's end but Lorenzo Romar seemingly would like to play on a race track rather than a basketball court. Whether it's been by design, luck, fate, hard work or a combination of each, UW is built for speed. With a national ranking of #14, it's definitely working for the Huskies.

Curiously, whether by design or omission, the letter 'C' does not appear when the positions of each player is listed on the U Dub roster. Here you go:

Abdul Gaddy G 6-3 190 FR
Venoy Overton G 5-11 185 JR
Scott Suggs G 6-6 185 SO
Isaiah Thomas G 5-8 185 SO
Elston Turner G 6-4 205 SO
C.J. Wilcox G 6-5 180 FR

Tyreese Breshers F 6-7 255 RS FR
Matthew Bryan-Amaning F 6-9 240 JR
Darnell Gant F 6-8 225 SO
Justin Holiday F 6-6 180 JR
Quincy Pondexter F 6-6 215 SR
Brendan Sherrer F 6-9 240 SO
Clarence Trent F 6-5 225 FR

By the way, freshman C.J. Wilcox has already placed into redshirt status this season -- this for the leading scorer in Utah last year --which indicates the depth Romar has available.

Also, check the cover of this week's Sports Illustrated and you'll find Isaiah Thomas, adorning the cover. Probably generously listed as 5-foot-8, predictions for him this season include either first or second team national All-America status. As a side note, he received that first name when his father lost a friendly wager on a Lakers vs. Pistons playoff game in 1989.

Plus, Quincy Pondexter (whose father and uncle played in the NBA) has come on this season and it seems that the Huskies are victorious rather easily when he has a strong game.

And do pay attention to big bodied Matthew Bryan-Amaning, who passes for the Washington 'big' man.

We haven't even mentioned freshman Abdul Gaddy, the #2 ranked point in high school last season.

Elston Turner is the son of Elston Turner Sr., currently an assistant with the Houston Rockets, Holiday is the brother of Jrue (former UCLA guard now a rookie with the 76ers).

FEASTING ON HOME COOKING

November 13 saw Washington host Wright State and get a bit of a scare before pulling out a 74-69 win. Thomas scored 30 points, 7-14 from the floor and 14-18 from the foul line.

The next night it was Belmont's turn in the barrel and UW was operating on all cylinders in a 96-78 victory. From the game report on the Huskies site: "Inconsistent for much of his freshman and sophomore seasons, the Huskies can only hope that this performance is a sign of growth from Matthew Bryan-Amaning. He did it all against the Bruins: dunks, drop-step jumpers, up-and-under moves, and even five blocked shots." He scored 23 points. Thomas added 23 and Pondexter led with 25 points.

Proving the two earlier contests to be simple warmups, the Huskies trampled Portland 111-55 the next night. Pondexter was again the top scorer with 29 points while Thomas chipped in with 21. Quotes from that game story include "...the Huskies put on a clinic of transition basketball..." and "...Portland State missed seven straight shots and Washington began a track meet..."

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The Spartans don't want to get into an all all-out 40-minute sprint with Huskies. Utilizing fastbreak opportunities sure, but getting into a warp speed contest would negate the inside strength offered by C.J. Webster and Chris Oakes. Doing some pounding inside and drawing fouls will only benefit SJSU.

Turnovers. We love apply and cherry is our absolute fave but the Huskies thrive on the basketball kind. It's irresponsible to offer a number not to exceed but they must be kept to a minimum or a long night will ensue for San Jose State.

Do watch for who Chris Jones guards, although it may be different opponents at different times. He and Isaiah Thomas have met before during club team basketball in the summer.