Ellington

1. Is Isaiah Thomas a better passer or scorer?

Taylor:Tough one, especially considering the guy just dished out 13 assists — the most since Will Conroy had 14 assists in 2005. He’s the fifth Husky ever to have 13 or more assists in a game, and that’s elite company. I would say right now, he’s just as good a passer as he is a scorer. The fact that he’s stepped up so fast after Abdul Gaddy’s injury makes it that much more impressive.

Jacob:He’s always going to be a scorer at heart; that’s who he is. It’s great that he’s learned to use his scoring to set up his teammates.

KevinDespite his recent assist binge, I have to say at this point in his career, Thomas is a better scorer. He is one of the more preternaturally talented scorers in recent UW history. With his talent and vision, though, if he sets his mind to it, it won’t be long before he changes this answer.

Pete:Scorer. He made a strong case for himself as a passer this weekend, and I think in the absence of Abdul Gaddy, we’ll get to see him start getting more assists. That being said, he’s a great scorer from pretty much anywhere on the floor.

2.Despite losing Abdul Gaddy, is this year’s team better than last season?

Taylor:Definitely. Though the Pac-10 is even worse than last year, it was as early in the season as the Maui Invitational where we knew that this was an improved UW team. This group is extremely well-balanced in terms of leadership, youth and talent.

Jacob:This team right now is better than last year’s was at this stage in conference play. It remains to be seen if they’ll be better than last year in March.

KevinYes. In a historically watered-down Pac-10 last season, the Huskies lost seven games — the team’s postseason success has seemingly blocked out the fact that last year’s group was barely an NCAA tournament-caliber team. Even with the loss of Gaddy, it’s hard to imagine this year’s team ever getting too far out of the top 25.

Pete:Without a doubt. Obviously losing Gaddy hurts, but this is basically the same roster from last year, minus Quincy Pondexter. The team has that extra year of experience — some in March Madness — as well as the emergence of Terrence Ross. Not to mention, Matthew Bryan-Amaing’s improvements have turned him into somewhat of a force down low.

3. As of right now, which starting lineup gives the Huskies the best chance to win?

Taylor:I’d go with Isaiah, Holiday, MBA and N’Diaye for sure. I prefer Overton coming off the bench — the spark he provides is hard to match with anyone else. That last spot could go to Scott Suggs, Terrence Ross or C.J. Wilcox, depending on the matchups.

Jacob:Isaiah Thomas, Scott Suggs, Justin Holiday, Matthew Bryan-Amaning and Aziz N’Diaye. Overton plays better coming off the bench, in my opinion.

KevinFrom a pure-basketball standpoint, it is Isaiah Thomas, Venoy Overton, Justin Holiday, Matthew Bryan-Amaning and Aziz N’Diaye. This is the Huskies’ best ball-handling and best defensive lineup, and it leaves plenty of firepower coming off the bench. Honestly, though, as long as Thomas, Holiday and MBA are on the floor, I don’t see a whole lot of difference.

Pete:I like seeing Aziz N’Diaye, Justin Holiday, Matthew Bryan-Amaning, Isaiah Thomas and Terrence Ross. The only debatable starter would be Ross, who gets the nod over Scott Suggs and Venoy Overton. I like seeing Overton in the sixth-man role, and it was Ross’ breakout against the Oregon schools that makes me think that he belongs in Lorenzo Romar’s starting rotation more so than Suggs.

4. Who would you rather play for: Herb Sendek or Sean Miller?

Taylor:Sendek graduated from Carnegie-Mellon with a 3.95 GPA and was a three-year letterman. I could probably learn a thing or two from the guy.

Jacob:Herb Sendek. He's a class act, and a great X's and O's coach.

KevinSean Miller. I’d find the glare coming off Sendek’s head just a little too distracting.

Pete:Sendek knows how to dougie. ‘Nuff said.

Reach all reporters at sports@dailyuw.com.