Tonight's game against Pittsburgh is a big deal in many ways.  First, the Hoyas have yet to win a game on the road in a truly hostile environment.  (The wins against Butler and Washington were both at neutral sites.) In the Big East, we are 1-2 on the road, losing to Marquette and Villanova.  These two games were hard fought battles where the Hoyas were given opportunities to get the W. They just didn't capitalize.  To be an above average team, we need a few quality wins on the road. It starts with Pittsburgh tonight.

Secondly, Pittsburgh has whooped on Georgetown the past two seasons.  In 2008, Georgetown won the Big East regular season title and placed 2nd in the conference tournament.  However, in both regular season play and the tournament championship, the Hoyas were smacked around by Pitt.  That year, it was clear that Pittsburgh was the better team despite their conference record against other opponents.  And last year, we all know what happened when Levance Fields and Dejuan Blair strolled into Verizon. We simply can't go three years in a row losing to these guys.  Not to mention, a win against Pitt on the road would make a big statement.

Thirdly, this is the start of a 6 game stretch that might define the rest of the season. Beating Pitt tonight and Rutgers at home on Saturday is crucial.  Afterward, the Hoyas travel up to the Carrier Dome to face a very, very good Syracuse team.  Obviously, I want to stay optimistic here, but winning at Syracuse is a stretch for now.  Don't get me wrong, the Hoyas can do it, but it will be extremely difficult in a hostile environment.  I cannot remember the last time they won up there either.  Following that Monday night game, the Hoyas play their most important non-conference game against Duke,  I have no doubt in my mind they can beat this ACC foe. The Hoyas are more athletic and if they shut down Singler and Scheyer, the game is theirs for the taking,  They should not need any extra motivation against this team, especially with last year's 2nd half collapse at Cameron Indoor.

Next, Georgetown plays South Florida and Villanova at home.  South Florida SHOULD be an assumed win, but as we know, one cannot assume anything in the Big East.  Villanova is a great team this year and one of the more talented they've put on the court in awhile.  The game will be a homecoming of sorts for Scottie Reynolds (Herndon, VA native).  With that said, the Hoyas must truly shine against Nova at home.  We cannot lost both games to them this year. 

So lets make it happen tonight! Go Hoyas.

Another chapter has been added to the Georgetown-UConn rivalry, one decided inevitably by the efforts of a rising star in the name of Austin Freeman.  Freeman has shown "primetime" ability in the past but never so consistently as he has this season.  Since the Butler game, Austin has not scored less than 11 points (Washington) in a game.  More importantly, since Big East opening play, Freeman hasn't scored less than 15 points in a game.

On a blisteringly cold but Sunny Washington, DC Saturday, the 6'4'' guard played the best game of his career, putting up 33 points and 7 rebounds.  Freeman's second half effort alone included 28 of his points, nearly topping UConn's entire second half production (29 pts).  So far this season, Freeman has proven the ability to step up when it counts.  Georgetown's come from behind win over UConn was a must in a lot of ways.  Losing early season back-to-back games against Big East opponents could have invoked memories of last year's January collapse.  A collapse the Hoyas never recovered from.

Granted, this game was not a battle between  two undefeated or top ten teams, but rather, a battle for inner conference establishment and leverage.  With the win, Georgetown comes out of its first four Big East games 3-1.  Georgetown is 4-0 against UConn in the past four seasons, ending an 0-11 drought against their Big East foe.  Just two years ago, Roy's infamous 3 point shot towards the end of regulation sent a roar through the Verizon Center crowd that has yet to be matched.  Along with this past Saturday's contest, I was fortunate enough to attend that game as well.  These two recent home wins against UConn will be etched in the memory of all Hoya fans.  And who can forget last year's epic upset against #2 UConn? Unfortunately, it was followed by ugly losses to Pittsburgh and Notre Dame, spiraling Georgetown to a 16-15 record. So all in all, these are solid signs that this season will be different.

Julian Vaughn's continued and consistent production is a critical piece in the Hoya's success.  He has knack for making big plays when needed most.  His put up on Greg's missed shot in the last minutes of the game was clutch to say the least.  He continues to play with more and more confidence. 

There's no doubt Chris Wright is a great talent.  At times, he makes plays that creates stares of amazement and awe.  His offensive production is crucial to Georgetown's ability to win games.  I just question his decision-making ability. Not to harp on past games, but he was out of control against Marquette.  His erratic performance was capped off with an aired three. You can't be airing shots to tie a game which would subsequently send it into overtime.  With that said, Wright played excellent against St. John's and Depaul, putting up 21 and 18 points respectively.  He just needs some consistency to his play.  At times, the DC product plays with tunnel vision.  And there is absolutely no reason to dribble and pass the ball as haphazardly as he did in the waning seconds of the UConn game.  Unsurprisingly, his exceptional athletic ability allowed him to barely tip the loose ball towards Freeman who subsequently made a pass to an open Monroe for the last basket.  But you have to give the point guard credit where it's due, Chris does play with an unwavering passion and confidence.  For a player who at times makes multiple mistakes, he never let's it affect his confidence and desire to take the big shot.  Confidence creates play-making ability and opportunities.  You can't teach this quality, but rather, it comes natural. 

I want to commend Jerrelle Benimon for his tough play and rebounding.  He brings a physical presence under the basket and spark of energy of the bench.  Henry Sims keep your head up.  You've got talent there's no question.  Believe in the system and it will grant you personal success soon.  Your number will be called upon to step up big at some point this season.

Furthermore, Coach Thompson III showed why he is one of the premier coaches in the country.  His halftime adjustments and ability to keep his players calm although down by 19 at one point shows resiliency.  If he can coach the Hoyas to 5-1 in the next 6 games, then their looking golden.  It starts with beating a very underrated Seton Hall team this Saturday.

Next Game: Thursday Jan. 14th vs Seton Hall, Verizon Center, 7pm on ESPN

Maybe it was something in the food? Or a change in practice? Whatever it was, the Georgetown Hoyas looked like a different team this past Saturday and Monday.  Against Lafayette and Mt. St. Marys, the Hoyas shot consistently, provided second opportunities through effective rebounding, and ran the offense significantly better.  Granted, these aren't exactly the strongest or most prominent of teams, yet the Hoyas as a whole made great strides and improvement. With that said, let's take a look at the individuals fueling this change in pace.

Julian Vaughn, well done my friend.  For the first time in a Blue & Gray jersey, Vaughn posted back to back double digit point games.  He also picked up a combined 13 rebounds in both games and 3 blocks alone in the Mount game.  Without a doubt, Julian seems more comfortable and familiar with the offense this year.  Although his production was lower in the first three games, it's evident that the FSU transfer has slowly blossomed since his first year at the hilltop.  Vaughn has become more of a physical presence around the basket.  His ability to create three point plays is huge.  However, his foul shot shooting is in need of work.  In the Lafayette game, he made two great plays under the basket, yet proceeded to miss each of his foul shots.  Although, this may come off as a minor problem, it will certainly play a factor when league play commences.  Those types of situations are ever so crucial come Big East time.  In addition, his alley-oop finish against Mt. St. Marys was something special.  Last year, I never would have imagined Julian making that play.  If anything, Julian has proven the ability to get better with each game - a quality that coaches eat up.  Thus, it goes without saying that the Vienna, VA native has earned most improved.  Keep up the good work.

When it came down to it, for the Hoyas to experience success this season, either Vaughn or Henry Sims had to pick up their production.  After five games, it's pretty apparent who's showed up.  Although incredibly talented and athletic, Sims looks lost on the court at times, especially on the defensive end.  He still seems uncomfortable and has yet to fully adapt to the college level.  Does it mean he's a lost cause? Heavens no.  Against Lafayette, he provided a glimpse of brilliance on the defensive end.  Sims sent a Lafayette player's lay-up into the stands that created a level of noise I previously thought impossible by such a small crowd.  He could be a force to reckon with in this aspect of the game. Let's just see it happen.

Julian's new found presence on the court has made life easier on young Greg.  Monroe has been a consistent contributor, recording two double-double games this season.  Against the Mount, Monroe put up 19 points, his most since the season opener against Tulane.  This is great and all, but we expect more.  Is it unreasonable for Monroe to be AVERAGING 20 or more points a game? I don't think so.  For a player that supposedly was going top 5 in the draft last year, such things are expected and not necessarily applauded.  To be quite frank, he should be dropping 30 points on these teams.  Granted other players are stepping up and performing, it still is no excuse.  I think we should be putting these teams out by more.  In addition, he needs to become more of a presence on defense.  Again, I'm not saying he is lacking in this facet, but I do expect more. For a player like Greg, the sky SHOULD be the limit.

Moving on, Hollis Thompson was simply a stud against Lafayette.  He showed great ability behind the arc along with the capability to drive to the hoop and finish.  Without a doubt, Hollis made some pretty plays this game and throughout the season for that matter.  He is doing exactly what we expect of him and that's awesome.  Leaving high school a semester early to enroll and learn the system was a definite advantage.  Unfortunately, I was unable to make the Mt. St. Marys game but heard he made an impact on the boards.  For a 6'6" player, Thompson plays like he's 6'10''.  His long reach aides in his ability to grab rebounds.  He potentially could be the most complete player at the 3 position that Georgetown has seen for awhile.

After watching Jason Clark last season, it was obvious he could be special.  So far this season, he has stepped up his game in nearly every facet.  His points have increased along with his accuracy behind the arc.  Both Jason and Chris Wright have become presences on defense, as well.  Their ability to make steals help create fast break opportunities.  For the Hoyas to be a complete team, this is another aspect that needs to be consistent.  As of now, Jason is performing at a high level.  When the ball is in his hands, good things happen.

Recently, Chris has been great from the arc, going 4 for 5 against the Mount.  If he consistently averages 18 points a game (and a lot of assists), then the Hoyas will be something special.  The offense starts and initiates with him.  Thus, his consistent production is crucial.  Since Temple, it appears that Wright is doing a fine job.

And lets not forget Austin Freeman.  The junior has put up 10 or more points in 4 of the 5 games.  His steady and consistent play is an important part that keeps this engine going.

Most importantly, when a particular player has fallen short on production, someone else has picked up the slack and produced.  This is a great positive.  In order to be a championship caliber team, Georgetown needs players that, when necessary, can make up for their teammate's lack of performance.  Realistically, no one can consistently put up the same stats each game. 

On another note, Vee Sanford has been a delight to watch.  Coming off the bench, he has shown confidence in running the offense and taking shots.  Granted it's mainly been in reserve time, he still shows the ability to play mistake free.  This bodes well for the future.  At some point in the season, Vee will be called upon to perform in crunch time.  These past couple games are the building blocks for his confidence on the court.

So was it magic that caused the Hoyas to win their last two games by impressive numbers? Nah. Rather, the talent and athleticism that's been on the Hilltop for two years is beginning to mesh together.  One can argue about certain inefficiences in the Princeton offense, but when properly run, it is highly effective and difficult for defenses to stop.  CONTINUE TO BUY INTO THE SYSTEM.

Go Hoyas.

"The momentum was all with them...for us to be able to maintain our poise, our composure, and whether it was ugly or not, to make the plays, get the rebounds at both ends of the floor to win the game, that was good. It was ugly -- don't get me wrong. They do a good job of making the game ugly."

As John Thompson III remarked in his post game press conference, Georgetown's performance against Temple this past Tuesday was ugly and unbearable at times to watch.  However, when it seemed like the Hoyas would drop their first game of the season, something occurred that I hadn't seen since Big Boy Roy hit that infamous three, lifting Georgetown over UConn two years ago at Verizon.  Last second heroics produced by a final game winning shot.  Greg Monroe's drive to the basket with less then 10 seconds left was a BIG TIME play.  But after all, that's what we expect from the #1 recruit coming out of high school last year.  It was reminiscent of Jeff Green's game winning shot against Vanderbilt in the 2007 Sweet Sixteen. 

The only difference - we were playing Temple.  It boggles my mind how anemic Georgetown's offense can look at times.  With such an array of athletic talent, there simply has to be more points put up.  There is no reason why Greg shouldn't touch the ball every time.  For this team to be successful, the offense must run through him.  So when Chris Wright pulls back and attempts a fade away three for the game winner, something just isn't right.  Why on Earth did he not just dish it inside to Greg, where the big man could have attempted a shot or at least gotten fouled.  It should be that simple.  Give him the ball.  What concerns me more then anything is that he wasn't even calling for it.  So in reality, can you even blame Chris? Probably not.  He is our teams leading scorer after all, but he just needs to more consistent with his decision making. But back to Greg.  It's pretty obvious he's the best player on the team.  With that said, he needs to be more aggressive, more selfish at times, and for God's sake, he should want the ball every time, especially when the game is on the line.  At this point, he is just too unselfish.  When he does have the ball in his hands, something good happens every time.  We can not really say that about anyone else, just yet.

Next problem.  Henry Sims.  What's going on here? He had a good game against Tulane, but played horribly on Tuesday.  Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of this kid.  He's so athletic with an immense upside. Based on talent, he would be an unanimous starter. He just needs to pick his game up.  I don't know whether, mentally, he's in the game. He needs more concentration and focus.  Maybe Sims needs more experience to develop his basketball awareness.  Hopefully, he will get his minutes to improve against Savannah State this Saturday.

In regard's to Julian, I'm sure he's a great kid and all, but he just doesn't look like a Big East basketball player.  He seems too hesitant and he is a huge liability on offense.  At this point, for him to contribute, I only see it happening on the defensive end.  Thus, Julian must provide great defense and rebounding.  At the same time, there is no reason why he can't be scoring 8-10 points of the bench.  I just can't picture it yet.

It's times like this when Vernon Macklin's transfer is truly felt.  Although the highly touted McDonald's All-American did not reach his potential on the Hilltop, he still had two years to develop.  He did prove that he could rebound, something we really need now. Though, it is necessary to mention that our rebounding has improved from last year.  Yet, if Vernon had stayed in the system up until now, what would be his senior year at Gtown, then it's hard for me to believe he wouldn't have been an impact player. He's just too athletic to not be. 

Pertaining to Hollis, he needs to grow up quick. He needs to provide energy and points, whether it be off the bench or as a starter.  For this team to be successful, they need player's like Hollis to step up and play as if he were an upperclassmen.  They can't just rely on three players to put up points.  It just doesn't work that way.  This team has serious depth issues.  Thus, it is crucial for players like Hollis, Sims, and Clark to come up big on the offensive side.

Nikita? He's a fine shooter, but he really can't be put in a position where it's necessary for him to dribble.  Unfortunately for him, that's an essential part of the game. So...don't play him. Play Vee Sanford.  Let the young guns grow and develop.

The Princeton Offense...I don't know. I can't really critique Coach. It worked with Jeff, Roy, John, Pat, Jessie, and Tyler.  They won two consecutive Big East titles with it. It just seems like it's not working for this group. Granted it's really only Chris Wright's 2nd year, seeing that he sat out the majority of his freshman year with an injury. With that said, we have to treat him as if he was a sophomore, in his second year as starting point guard. Maybe it's the decision making of the player's or maybe the offense just is not optimal for this particular group.  Like I said, I don't know. One thing I do know is that we have to be putting up more than 46 points (19 by half), regardless of who we play.

Finally, what bothered me the most of anything was our crowd.  Absolutely pathetic.  For a team, that not very long ago, went to the Final Four along with winning consecutive conference titles, one would think that the fan base would be there without question. I'm sick and tired of going to supposed home games at Verizon only to be drowned out by Pitt, Notre Dame, Cuse, and Duke fans. You've got to be kidding me.  If anyone went to the Pitt game last year, you know what I'm talking about.  I understand that Georgetown students like to study and all, but give me a break, you can leave Lauinger for a few hours to make your way to Chinatown.  If the Cameron Crazies (who might be the biggest gathering of dweebs to ever cheer at a sporting event) can roll hard to the Duke games, then why can't Georgetown students? Where's their sense of tradition? Or pride for that matter. I mean you really got to hand it to the Dukies. They are great fans and support their team to perfection.

A pose another question on this topic. Who is in charge of marketing and fan promotion? Do they even have that position in McDonough? Well if they don't, then create it.  There needs to be some sort of effort to motivate and encourage students to show up.  How about providing benefits and rewards for those students that attend a significant number of games? Like free meals to restaurants on and off campus, gift cards to the bookstore, bonus money on your Gocard...you can honestly come up with anything here.  How about free apparel! One thing is for sure, no matter how cool the Verizon Center is, I'd rather see Georgetown play all their games in McDonough.  I'm convinced they would run the table if they played every game there.  Verizon just doesn't provide a home court advantage.  The only time it's ever popping is if we are winning.  The Cuse game last year - more orange in the stands than blue and gray.  Only reason it didn't seem that way was because Georgetown got on the Orangemen early and didn't let them back in. Now that was great performance.

Also, location of student section. They should keep part of it behind both baskets but there should be a significant portion behind the bench side, especially right behind the visitor bench.  Yeah, let the student's be pricks.  Everywhere else Georgetown travels it seems to be the case.

After all this criticism, I need to step back and remember the title of this article. It's been JUST TWO GAMES. And as fans typically do, they make decisions and assumptions based on emotion and short term circumstances.  Sports are an emotional issue. I need to remember, it's only been two games.  And if we remember our history, the 2007 team truly meshed in the Big East tourny.  I am confident this group with bring it come January.

Now...all we need is for Greg to do his thing.  Because as the last seconds of the Temple game showed, big time players make big time plays on big time days.

Go Hoyas.

So this is a topic that I have been contemplating well before last season was over.  Who will receive the honors of having the official sales jersey?  Since Georgetown only puts out one number (last year it was Jessie Sapp #21), it will probably be a dogfight between the two starting juniors, Chris and Austin, and then Greg.  The only disadvantage for Greg is that he is a sophomore.  Thompson tends to choose upperclassmen or seniors for this honor.  But without a doubt, Monroe's jersey would provide the best potential revenue.  Seeing as it will most likely be his last year, I definitely see him getting the nod.  Then again, one could of argued that Dajaun should have gotten the official jersey release instead of Jessie.  Before Jessie, Roy Hibbert's jersey was selling and before him, it was the mythical Jeff Green who carried this honor (God I miss him).  Fun topic to discuss.  Let's hear some ideas.

The following are quotes by JT III about each player on the team.  I came across these gems on hoyaballa,yuku.com.  Pretty interesting statements..each is an analysis of the player's potential and capability this season.

Chris Wright:

"He has to make the growth and the step and the progression from sophomore year to junior year, and he has to step up into a leadership role this year on the court and off the court. But he's ready for that," Thompson said. "It's something that he's prepared himself for, mentally and physically. But it's a different role, a new role for him, also."

To this point, Wright has gotten things done primarily because of his athleticism; his quickness, strength and leaping ability are all above average. He also doesn't register as a either a traditional pass-first or shoot-first point guard, but can do both pretty darned well, Thompson believes.

"I don't think he's limited," said Thompson. "Can he run the team? Absolutely. Can he score? Yes. I don't think those two are exclusive -- you have to do one or do the other. You look down through the years, we've had guards -- be it Jon Wallace or even Jessie Sapp -- who have been able to run the team but at the same time score.
"I think with last year under his belt, Chris has made and will continue to make that progression and get that understanding. I think he's going to have a big year for us."

Austin Freeman:

"Austin Freeman is someone that we're going to need to bring a lot to the table in every aspect of the game," Thompson said. "I think he's someone that's going to have to score for us. He's someone that's going to have to be a reliable defender. He's someone that's going to have to rebound for us. So he's going to have a lot of responsibility. And, like I said about Chris, I think he's ready and waiting for that chance."

Much has been made of Freeman's stocky build over the last two seasons; he more closely resembles an NFL fullback than a basketball player. By the same token, there have always been questions about Freeman's conditioning, and whether he's willing to pay the price in the weight room.

Thompson said the junior's maturity level and focus took a step forward over the summer, and that he fully intends on using his physical strength to become one of the Hoyas' strengths this season.

"We plan on making that a factor this year," he said. "He can be a tough match-up because he can go down low and he's strong, and he can hold you off. And yet he can really score. And so that's going to be something that we're going to have to utilize.

"I think he has done a great job in the off-season with his strength and conditioning; Austin has dropped weight. I don't know how much, but his body looks different right now -- significantly different right now than it did at the end of last season. He's someone, as much as anyone, who's looked hungry this summer -- OK, that's a bad analogy. But he's worked."

Hollis Thompson:

"You cannot at all," said Thompson, the coach, when asked if he could put a price on the experience the freshman picked up by enrolling early. You're looking at someone who's great -- he has such a jump on things. He knows what we're doing and how we're doing it. He literally, between the time when he got here in January and right now, maybe more so than Greg, he's bulked up.

"But just the understanding, where he goes to a semester of practice. You're able to learn the language, the way we talk, you're able to understand the routine, able to pick up what's expected and not expected. He's not walking in the door this year bright-eyed and bushy-tailed as all freshmen normally do. And so it's been invaluable."

The coach also had plenty of praise for Thompson's selflessness; by enrolling early he was unable to participate in any of the prep all-star games -- like the McDonald's All-American game -- that most big-time youngsters play. That aside, Thompson should be able to make an immediate impact for Georgetown in a number of different areas.

"He is someone who can put the ball in the basket. Hollis can shoot. Hollis can make shots," Thompson said. "Hollis has a competitiveness about him that our team needs. Because of his length, I think he has the ability to guard different positions. I think he can guard down or guard up. He is a freshman, hasn't played a game, but he's gone through a semester and a summer of practices and then workouts."

Henry Sims:

"Good things happened when Henry was in the game last year. Consistently, good things happened when he was on the floor," said Thompson. "He's going to get the opportunity this year to be on the floor a whole lot more, and so he's going to have to maintain that consistency. He goes from a freshman where we put them out there and hope they don't mess up to a sophomore that we're depending on. He's active. The ball finds a way to fall into his hands a lot, and he comes up with a rebound."

Also helping Sims is the fact that he is an above-average passer, making him a perfect fit in Thompson's offense.

"Henry is one of the better passers we have on our team; he has a knack for getting the ball where it should be," Thompson said. "He's ready to step up. He understands."

Greg Monroe:

"Greg from the beginning had the opportunity to be drafted, and drafted pretty high. But with that being said, I think he's an honest person," said Thompson. "When he looks in the mirror I think he has aspirations not just to be a pro, but to be a good pro. I think a lot of players feel, 'I can be a pro now, so I can come out.' I think Greg realizes for him to be a good pro, he needs some work. He needs to get better in a lot of different areas.

"It wasn't like I spent or he spent too much time in deep contemplation, or I'm sitting here on pins and needles. We went through the educational process, and he said, 'I want to come back to school.' On top of the basketball component of it, he likes school. He likes being here at Georgetown."

When pressed for specific areas in which Monroe needs to improve upon as far as his game goes, Thompson didn't hesitate.
"Offense and defense. It's that simple," he said. "I think he's one of these people that's extremely blessed and fortunate that he can be good at so many things on the basketball court. But then that becomes a responsibility to himself and to his team to be good at everything. He has to get stronger. As the year wore on, he wore down. And so he has to become stronger. He's put in the time in the weight room. I wish I could say he's 20 or 30 pounds heavier. I don't know what it is, but I know he's bigger.

"After that, it's literally everything. I think he can be better in the post, I think he can be better on the perimeter. Defensively he can be more of a presence. Every aspect. That's the responsibility that he has -- to improve on every aspect of his game."

Thompson also said he expects Monroe to become a stronger presence as far as leadership goes.
"There's no doubt, and I think he's ready for that and he understands that," said Thompson. "You come in as a freshman with a lot of attention, and I think he handled that freshman year well. Now he's moving from a freshman who's thrown into the fire to now he's a sophomore who is going to be one of the leaders on the team, and not just a focal point in terms of on-the-court play, but we need him to be a presence in terms of his presence in the locker room, up in the dorms and around campus."

Jason Clark:

"We play with more energy when Jason, Henry and Hollis are on the court," said Thompson. "We come up with more loose balls. Jason, you talk about hard-nosed. He's skinny as a whip but he's tough, he's strong and he competes. He does the dirty things that a lot of people don't want to do, and that this team needs. And coupled with that, he can score.

"The two people from last year that the world will see significant strides from, I think, are going to be Henry [Sims] and also Jason. He played a very similar role to Henry last year when he was out there. But we're de-pending on them this year and they understand that, they know that, and I think they're ready for that role, that responsibility."

Julian Vaughn:

"When Julian transferred he was able to compete right away, but I think a lot of people forgot that he was a freshman [in terms of experience]," Thompson said. "Yes, he had competed at the ACC level, but relative to what was expected of him here, what we needed him to do here, he was learning all anew. So he went through the same growth process and had the same learning curve that a lot of freshmen go through.

"I think we'll see a much more settled Julian Vaughn this year, a much more comfortable Julian Vaughn this year, a much more confident Julian Vaughn this year."

Nikita:

"I think that he's skilled enough that he can wear different hats," Thompson said. "At the end of the day, Nikita can make shots when we need him to make shots. And also at the end of the day, Nikita is an unselfish player that does a good job of helping his teammates out. So we need him to do that. But when he's open, the ball's going to go in."

Jerrelle:

"Jerelle is a big, strong kid. He's got a body walking in the door that DaJuan had walking out the door," Thompson said. "Big, strong kid. How is he going to respond when the lights come on? He has the skill set and the toughness that he's going to play. He really rebounds. Physically, he's able to play right now."

Vee Sanford:

"He's similar to Jason, if I had to make a comparison," Thompson said. "He'll do all the dirty things. He'll be the first one to dive on the floor."

Thompson thinks Benimon and Sanford will be able to make contributions to the Hoyas this season, even if they come mostly in practice early.
"They're both tough, walking in here with a chip on their shoulders," he said. "The toughness will help both of them, and it'll help us."

Jelan Kendrick's likely decision will not come until the spring season.  According to Scout.com writer, Dave Telep, the star recruit's chances of signing early are "slim to zero."  As Kendrick explains,

"It’s real slim, but who knows. I kind of want to see where everybody lands, what coaches are going to be in place and what players are going to the league and who’s staying. I want an ultimate feel of where I need to be before making a decision. If I committed early, I’d have to feel comfortable. I don’t want to rush into anything, I want to better myself."

He sounds like a smart player.  When you're that good, certain schools will wait on you and keep a roster slot open.  It is never a bad thing to analyze each opportunity and weigh it out with the rest of your options.  Jumping into something to soon can always be detrimental.  However, will this possibly handicap his chances with Georgetown?  Probably not.  In his own words, Kendrick professes his bond with Georgetown:

“Georgetown had been recruiting me when I first came onto the circuit and a lot of people didn’t know about me. They believed in when and thought I had star potential from the get go...What’s special is that me and the coaches have bonded so well that when I get a chance to go up there and hang with them they’re real calm like we’re some sort of family.”

John Thompson III has a knack for discovering star talent before other programs do.  Hopefully Thompson's loyalty in the recruiting process will beat out competitors like Indiana, LSU, and Alabama.  To read the full article from Scout.com copy and paste the click below..unless it allows you to just click on it (not exactly the most savvy of computer people).

http://georgetown.scout.com/a.z?s=433&p=2&c=915885

Found this article on nbebasketball.com..discusses the setbacks of the 2008-2009 season along with interesting commentary from players like Monroe and Austin Freeman. Mentions Jason Clark as most impressive player out of the "big 3" (Monroe, Freeman, Wright) thus far in preseason. Also, talks about the big question - Who will assume the leadership role with no seniors on the team?  It's worth a look.

http://w3.nbebasketball.com/2009/10/28/georgetown-will-not-forget-2008-2009-disappointment/

“We’re not going to forget last year. We went through that. We have to learn lessons from that. The taste is in our mouth. We can’t forget that; that has to be a part of growing. But at the same time, it’s not like we’re going to come in here and slam the door and beat ‘em up with it. They experienced it. They hurt just like I did.”—Coach John Thompson III, in The Washington Post.

Good statement by Thompson...hopefully it will resonate in his players.  Georgetown's biggest issue, besides rebounding and consistent shooting, lies primarily in its leadership role.  Back in 2007, players like John Wallace, Jeff Green, Tyler Crawford and Roy were the linchpins of a very blue collared team.  They led, not only by example, but vocally as well.  Out of high school, I don't even think Jeff was a Top 50 recruit and Wallace was on his way to Princeton before Thompson guided him towards Georgetown, upon leaving his coaching position at his former Alma mater.  Watching Roy in high school, I can tell you he was no big time recruit either.  Yet, he improved and excelled like no other player I've ever seen.  Throw Jessie Sapp in the mix, who played his best ball when with this crew, and you had a very special group of guys.  The point is, these guys weren't five star recruits, covered in youtube clips and recruiting articles.  They were simply a bunch of kids with a dream and desire to achieve.  But most importantly, they BOUGHT into the system that Thompson has instituted.  In addition, none of them came in with ego issues.  In some cases, it is probably smarter to start your program with a bunch of underrated, below the radar kids, that have the motivation and chip on their shoulder to win and make themselves a name. (Broadus take note)  Mcdonald All-Americans can sometimes think that they belong in the starting lineup and as the go-to-guy.  We certainly saw ego problems and leadership issues on the 2008-2009 team. 

Hopefully with two years in the program, players like Austin Freeman and Chris Wright  understand that it is their time to shine and take that leadership role. As an avid fan and supporter of the Hoyas, I want to see an anger and "chip on my shoulders" mentality.  I want to see players getting in each other's faces, whether in practice or during a game, and to push each other to do better.  BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, criticize each other in a constructive, civil manner that is meant to motivate and get each other better.  (No repeat of the Duke halftime locker room incident, please.)  People always argue that it is better to stay positive on one another.  To be honest, the most effective mechanism for success and improvement is constructive criticism.  These players must show the ability to push each other in the right direction.  The only way that will happen is by pointing one another's areas of improvement, whether it be on the court, off the court, mentally, or physically.  It needs to happen, and I hope it has already started happening in the off-season. 

With that said, what are your opinions on the possible starting lineups for this years team?  Without any real knowledge how practice has been going, my first bet would be Chris, Austin, Jason, Greg, and Henry Sims.  I think Chris and Austin are an obvious, especially now that Freeman is back in shape according to sources.  Chris has the ability to drive and short.  Something we haven't really seen in a point guard since A.I.  He just needs to shoot the three more consistently, like he did in high school.  Jason did so well in some games off the bench last yr.  Coming out of the WCAC in the DC area, he is a very talented player and should blossom this year.   Greg is Greg. My only complaint is he need to be more selfish at times.  In this season (probably his last), there is no reason why he shouldn't be scoring 20 points a game and double-digit rebounds.  He does need to prove himself as a dominant rebounder, but his upside is remarkable.  Henry is the big question.  He is so athletic.  Incredible upside and leaping abilities.  He SHOULD start, but it's really up to him.  If he can prove consistency and rebounding capability, then this should be a no brainer. 

Off the bench Julian Vaughn is our first big man in while Hollis Thompson our guard.  Thompson could be something special, and could be a starter if he proves himself early.  Coming a semester early really helps as well.  If he can prove himself as a big-time perimeter shooter, then he will take a starting role almost certainly.

Don't really know too much on the two new freshman.  Would love to hear some opinions from people with actual knowledge. 

Comments, questions and opinions on what YOU think would be a great starting lineup for this years team would be much appreciated.  Let's start the discussion.