Stopped by the Seattle University exhibition game Saturday night and Redhawks coach Cameron Dollar, the former UW assistant, didn't try to hide his excitement about junior college transfer Charles Garcia, the former Husky recruit.

"He's the best pro prospect in the state," Dollar said. "I've been trying to hide him for a while now, but the word is going to get out. He can do it all. We knew (at Washington) how good he was. He's special, special player."

Not sure if Dollar is exaggerating.

It was just one game - and it was a game that didn't count in the standings - but Garcia was brilliant in a 96-68 exhibition victory over Division III Pacific Lutheran at the Connolly Center. Garcia, a 6-10 center, converted 12 of 17 shots, including 2 for 3 three-pointers, for a game-high 27 points. He also had a game-high nine rebounds and just one turnover in 21 minutes.

You can question the level of competition, however, the Lutes had three players 6-7 or taller.

Still, the "man among boys" metaphor was said often referring to Garcia, who did a little bit of everything. He's stands out in a crowd because he's able to dribble and shoot like a guard and he has a muscular, athletic frame that allows him to score inside.

Dollar likes Garcia's versatility, but the SU coach wants him to concentrate on rebounding and scoring inside.

"He's got to start from the inside out," Dollar said. "That's the progression he has to go through. Now will he be a man among boys every night for us, probably not. There's some tough teams down the road, but he'll be fine."

Garcia who hadn't played since January at Riverside Community College, said he felt nervous and anxious before his collegiate debut. He said hadn't thought much about UW since failing to academically qualify and is happy to be at Seattle U.

Garcia said he has to get use to the quicker speed of the game. He knows teams will throw a bunch of gimmick defenses at SU to slow him down, but he said he's seen it all at Riverside CC.

"Sometimes I think too much when I'm out there," he said. "I need to relax and just play."

The Redhawks play at Oklahoma State in the regular-season opener Nov. 14. and face Fresno State on Nov. 19 in the home opener at KeyArena. SU plays UW Jan. 26 at Hec Ed.

SUNDAY MORNING LINKS:

--- NBADraft.net projects UW's Quincy Pondexter as a second-round pick who will be taken 49th overall by the Phoenix Suns. He's the only player in the state in their mock draft and one of three Pac-10 players.

--- Former UW star and Sacramento Kings rookie Jon Brockman has some advice for Kentwood standout Josh Smith on his Twitter page. Brockman writes: "Big Josh Smith from Kentwood: There is no greater feeling then representing your home town team on a nation level. UW is the place for you!"

--- GoHuskies.com has a Q&A with Tyreese Breshers.

--- Seth Tarver led Oregon State to a 75-55 win over Western Oregon in the final exhibition for the Beavers. Three OSU players scored in double figures, including Tarver, who was 8 of 9 from the field for 17 points. He also had six rebounds and four steals. Calvin Haynes had 15 points and Omari Johnson added 12.

--- Portland State, which plays UW on Saturday, finished the preseason with an 80-66 win over Western Washington. In their first preseason game, PSU beat Western Oregon 108-65. Phil Nelson, the former Husky, scored a game-high 19 points.