UW guard Isaiah Thomas was the second player on the floor for today's practice, just after Quincy Pondexter, showing that the freshman is a quick learner.

Thomas was benched for Tuesday's game against Cleveland State after arriving on the court a minute late for pregame warmups.

And UW coach Lorenzo Romar said today he anticipates that Thomas will be back in the starting lineup for tomorrow's 7 p.m. game against Florida International, which is also part of the College Basketball Experience Classic.

That Pondexter was the first one on the court is in keeping with a work ethic that is becoming his trademark. He was not available for interviews after the Cleveland State game because he headed to one of the other gyms to work on his shooting.

The Cleveland State game was something of a breakout for Pondexter as he had 15 points after being held scoreless against Portland. But Romar noted today that Pondexter has contributed in other areas in both games, notably averaging 8.5 rebounds per game, second on the team to Jon Brockman's 13.5.

Romar said Pondexter plays his best "when he's not thinking a whole lot and just playing.''

Romar also said that freshman guard Scott Suggs has simply not found his way on the floor yet. That he hasn't played in the first two games doesn't indicate there is any thought of a redshirt season or anything like that.

"There's nothing wrong with him,'' Romar said. "He'll get his chance.''

Suggs said today that he has never sat on the bench for an entire game in his life, let alone two.

Suggs said "it's hard'' but that he's content as long as the team is winning.

He said coaches have told him that his defense is the biggest area that has to improve to see significant playing time.

Some have also wondered if he's strong enough physically to compete. Suggs said he thinks he's strong enough and that "I've been getting stronger since I've been here.'' He said he weighs 188 pounds.