To be a defenseman in the WCHA it takes a lot to used to the league, I can't imagine the jump. I have been impressed with both players this season after they got past their rough patch. I would imagine if Pointer can recover quickly to get ready for the season he and Marto could be all conference type players.
As far as development goes Look as some of our killer defenseman we have had. I remember Commi's first year here and UND and I would have never guessed he would go on to make 4+ million a years in the NHL. Development takes time, look at Smaby with TB.