Leading up to the 2009 NIT Season Tip Off on November 16th, Pickin’ Splinters will be counting down the top 25 of the college hardwood nation.
‘08 – ’09 Results: 16 -15 (7 – 11 Big East). Lost in the first round of the National Invitation Tournament to Baylor, 74 – 72.
Coach: John Thompson III 116 – 51 (5 years at GU) 184 -93 overall (nine years)
Key Returners:
Greg Monroe – 12.7ppg, 6.5rpg
Henry Sims – 1.9ppg, 1.7rpg
Austin Freeman – 11.4ppg, 4.2rpg
Chris Wright – 12.5ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.8apg
Notable Non-Conference Tilts: 11/17 vs. Temple, 12/5 vs. American, 12/8 vs. Butler, 12/12 vs. Washington, 1/30 vs. Duke.
Stat of Identity: 40.7% field goal percentage defense – Memphis led the country at 37.1%.
By Paul Gotham
On December 29th of last season, the Hoyas opened Big East play by knocking off UConn, 74-63. At the time the Huskies ranked #2 in the country. With the win, Georgetown improved to 10-1. After a one-year absence, Thompson appeared to have his Hoyas ready for a return to the Final Four. Then Pittsburgh knocked off the Hoyas as did Notre Dame. The wheels came off from there, and the Hoyas did a free fall losing 12 of their last 16. The hits did not stop there. DeJuan Summers elected to bolt for the NBA.
All that behind them, the Hoyas could make a run at the Big East crown. At 6’11”, Greg Monroe should dominate the boards during conference play. After a freshman season getting banged around by the likes of DeJuan Blair, Hasheem Thabeet, and Terrence Williams, Monroe has the makings for a stellar sophomore campaign. In Thompson, Monroe has the right coach to guide him. Thompson, more than anyone, was responsible for the success of former Hoya post player, Roy Hibbert whose basketball IQ helped land him a spot in the NBA.
Chris Wright could benefit from Monroe’s success. Last season, Wright led the Hoyas with 117 assists. The junior point guard also accumulated 74 turnovers for a ratio of 1.6. As Monroe’s ability to finish inside increases, so too will Wright’s assists.
The young Hoyas struggled last year as they attempted to establish a half-court offense. The year of experience will help the Hoyas integrate Thompson’s Princeton-style motion.
Austin Freeman lost nearly 30 pounds in the off-season. The guard will provide much-needed quickness in the Hoya back court. Jason Clark will provide depth at the guard position.
Henry Sims should get the nod at forward. Freshman, Hollis Thompson could start. Mikita Mescheriakov and transfer, Julian Vaughn, will see minutes off the bench.
Surprised they’re not higher with ‘The Bench.’ I can’t remember where I put them, but I want to say top 10. You see post freshman come in VERY weak and out of shape. That was Monroe. Tyler Zeller at UNC has added 30 pounds of muscle and looks absolutely chiseled and in great shape. I expect Monroe will be the same. Who in the Big East can challenge these guys. Like you said, Casey, the Big East was a big man’s world last year. Maybe Monroe will dominate much like Blair did.
I love watching Monroe from the high post. Excellent vision and his passes are lasers.
Rey
Great call on Monroe’s ability to make passes from the high post. That is part of the Princeton offense which allows post players flash high and create space for back door cuts. I expect to see more of that this year as the Hoyas get comfortable with the system.
I had GU ranked lower than you because of the inexperience in the back court. Monroe is worthy of the top ten, but his talents will go unused if they can’t get the ball across half court.