This early in the season, conference statistics can be misleading.

However, four games into the new men�s basketball season, the Washington Huskies lead the �Pacific-10 Conference in scoring (90.2 ppg), free-throw percentage (.771), rebounding margin (plus 15.5) and assist/turnover ratio (1.5). And coach Lorenzo Romar thinks that could give a reasonably accurate picture of his team�s strengths this season.

�I think the free throw shooting is something that is a positive for sure,� he said. �Assist-turnover ratio is something that definitely is a positive. You say we haven�t played a top 20 team yet, but in the past it didn�t matter who we played: We turned the ball over a lot. For our turnovers to be down, I think that could be an indicator of what our team is going to be like in terms of handling the basketball.�

In turnover margin, the No. 14 Huskies (4-0) trail only Stanford (plus six). That number is all the more impressive because Washington is playing 21.8 minutes per game with a true freshman point guard: Abdul Gaddy, from Bellarmine Prep in Tacoma.

Gaddy said his transition to Division I is working in his favor because the upgrade in opponents is being offset by the upgrade in quality of his teammates.

�These players are so talented that it�s kind of easier because if you find them, they�re going to catch and finish,� Gaddy said Tuesday. �That�s what (the coaches have) talked about a lot in practice: Take care of the ball.�

The scoring statistics are the ones Romar expects to change the most once conference play begins in late December. And that�s certainly his hope on the defensive side, where the Huskies rank eighth in the league (68 ppg).

�The scoring always seems to go down when you get into the meat of your schedule, but I think it shows we�re capable of putting points on the board,� Romar said. �Whenever you look at points allowed, I think that�s a tough one to make an evaluation. � I think you look at the point differential, I think that shows more.�

UW trails only Arizona State in point differential: plus 22.2 ppg.

Individually, senior Quincy Pondexter is leading the team in scoring (24 ppg) and the conference in rebounding (12 rpg).

Romar wouldn�t say Pondexter can�t maintain those kinds of numbers all season. But he understands what kind of company that would put him in.

�If you finish the year at 24 and 12, you�re an All-American,� Romar said. �Maybe first team.�

Pondexter said friends tell him about his national rankings and draft projections, but he doesn�t let it distract him from team goals. �You�ve got to take it in one ear and out the other,� Pondexter said. �That�s what results in consistency. You just play your game no matter what people are saying, stats are saying, just go out and be you.�

Fast breaks

Washington returned to practice Tuesday after two days off. The Huskies continue practicing through the week � including a morning workout on Thanksgiving Day � preparing for their 6 p.m. Sunday meeting with Montana (5-1) at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. ... Romar is unable to discuss the oral commitment of 6-foot-9, 240-pound center Enes Kanter, a five-star recruit from Stoneridge Prep of Tarzana, Calif. Because the early signing period has passed, Kanter cannot officially become a Husky by signing his letter of intent until spring.

Don Ruiz, 253-597-8808 don.ruiz@thenewstribune.com blog.thenewstribune.com/uwsports