Forward ­— Quincy Pondexter — Junior

The only player left from an incoming class ranked seventh in the nation is Quincy Pondexter. The junior, now in his third year with the UW, feels his stay has been beneficial.

“Development was key, and I didn’t want to go into the NBA as a player needing time in the learning process,” Pondexter said. “UW has greatly prepared me for the next level in the short amount of time that I’ve been here.”

A 6-foot-7-inch forward, Pondexter physically embodies what NBA prospects at his position possess.

Offensively, he best elevates his game attacking the basket, using his power to work around the defenders. More of a straight-line driver, Pondexter does most of his damage coming off the wing or baseline and handling the ball in two or three dribbles.

On the defensive end, Pondexter has also progressively made strides. But, he is looking to improve in some areas, such as not allowing shooters a comfortable space to put up a shot.

Crediting offseason workouts, Pondexter feels his game has matured.

“My first two years, there were a lot of ups and downs, getting used to a different level of basketball, but I feel I have progressed,” he said.

If Pondexter can combine his skill set with his strong physical attributes, he could be in for a breakout season. And if he can improve his feel for the ball and remain tough on defense while controlling his foul troubles, Pondexter will likely become a dominant threat on the court and project himself into the NBA draft.

The burning question is whether or not he’ll likely go after this season.

“I want to stay a fourth year because of my attachment to the school,” Pondexter said. “But I will reevaluate my performance at the end of the season this year.”

Forward — Jon Brockman — Senior

One player who will return for a fourth year is among the nation’s top returning rebounders.

Undersized at 6-foot-7-inches, power forward Jon Brockman is one of the most productive big men in college basketball, utilizing his awareness and high energy level to outwork his opponents in the paint.

Compensating for height, Brockman focused on his strength this past offseason.

“I just kind of changed up the way I went about things with our new strength coach,” Brockman said. “I was also doing different stuff on my own.”

His own scrappy style of basketball makes him extremely effective. His rough-and-tough play, paired with good hands and superb timing, results in his power around the basket.

Operating off the ball is where Brockman looks most comfortable. His ability to alertly find spaces between defenders allows for a quick catch-and-finish around the rim.

Due to some shortcomings, Brockman may not catch the eyes of professional scouts as the typical prototype in terms of NBA prospects — height for position being the main culprit.

Despite that, his rebounding ability and good floor awareness, in addition to a relentless attitude against opponents, may keep him in the pre-draft competition.

But the only competition currently on Brockman’s mind is the NCAA Tournament. Hoping to end his college career on a good note, Brockman is ready to get back to the tournament and make some noise.

“You only get four years to do it, it’s a little window,” he said. “And my window’s almost closed, so I’ve got to get back to that thing before my college career’s all done with.”

Reach reporter Nari Kalafian at sports@dailyuw.com.