Rita Pleskevich shoots a free throw during an open practice at Marv Harshman Court on Oct. 10, 2019.

Despite returning 10 of 14 players, Washington womens basketball head coach Jody Wynn says, Its a new team.

This is not the team that went 11-21 last year and won only two games in the conference regular season. This is a team with two years of experience under Wynn and a group of newcomers that includes a much-needed point guard.

I feel like from where we ended last year, on that really high note, I feel like we have grown so much, sophomore Haley Van Dyke said. Now we have a step up from where we were last year and that has helped us grow.

A lot has changed for the Huskies in the year since last season began, in the eight months since Washingtons Pac-12 tournament Cinderella run ended, and in the two months since training for this season began.

Two months ago it was so hard, junior transfer Rita Pleskevich said. One month ago I thought OK, its getting a little bit better but its too slow. Now, actually, I feel that I got much better and much more confident. We have a lot of meetings with coaches when they tell us, Oh, we trust you and we want the ball in your hands and we want you to be confident. I think Im there.

Pleskevich came from junior college to fill a gap thats been in Washingtons lineup for two years now. Shell be Washingtons first true point guard in a while, something that was emphasized to her from the beginning.

Pleskevich averaged 19.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game in her sophomore season at Broward College and has four years of experience with the Russian Junior National Team.

The Dawgs also get added depth from three freshmen, centers JaQuaya Miller and Ali Bamberger, and guard Nia Lowery. That depth will be key on the court, but its also been important when preparing for the season to start.

It adds more intense practices every day, when you have that kind of depth and people fighting for playing time, Wynn said. To be able to have a deep bench and versatile players that can contribute whether its offensively or defensively or both is certainly going to make us a much stronger unit.

Washingtons chemistry this season is strong, and its helped the UWs newest players acclimate to the team.

My weaknesses are my new strengths and my strengths are even more powerful, Miller said. Ive definitely grown as a player and a person being surrounded by this team.

The Huskies will host Cal State Bakersfield on Friday at 7 p.m. to open the season and face Tulane at 2 p.m. Sunday.

Tulane will be a revenge game for the Huskies, who went to New Orleans last year and lost to the Green Wave. But that isnt this games focus for the Huskies.

Its so early, Wynn said. Were concentrating on ourselves getting better every day. Its more that on Sunday were better than we were on Friday.

Reach Engagement Editor Hailey Robinson at sports@dailyuw.com. Twitter: @haileyarobin

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'New' Huskies prepare for season with chemistry, added depth - Dailyuw