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#27 Georgetown Hoyas
Big East
2004-05: 19-13, 8-8, 7th
2004-05 postseason:
NIT
By
Joel Welser
Georgetown was well
on their way to an NCAA berth before losing their five final
regular season games. The Hoyas return everybody who started a
game last year under John Thompson III and are looking towards
the big dance. Anything else would be a disappointment.
Who’s Out:
Rayshawn Reed was a quality roleplayer off the bench, seeing
action in 31 games. The guard averaged 2.4 points per game last
year before transferring to Cal State Fullerston. Cornelio
Guibunda only played in five games before opting to transfer to
American. RaMell Ross averaged 8.0 minutes per game, averaging
2.0 points his last season in D.C.
Who’s In:
The bench won’t be very deep until
the newcomers come around. There isn’t anything overwhelming in
this class (Georgetown fans have to wait another year for that)
but all four newcomers have the ability to contribute off the
bench, providing many options for Coach Thompson III. Small
forward Octavius Spann is a little raw, but he makes up for it
with his athletic ruggedness and hustle, not to mention the
great name. Marc Egerson, a 6-5 wing, is ready to be a factor
this year and will be able to fill in at the two or three spot.
Shooting guard Jessie Sapp is a smart player and a decent
slasher. The outside shot is developing nicely, but could still
use a little work. In any event, Sapp will get an opportunity to
see quality minutes early and often. Josh Thornton is a
tremendous shooter and has the ability to run the point, but
needs to be a little more selective on the shots.
Who to Watch:
Six players who started at least 15
games return, but none are as important as Jeff Green. The 6-8,
225 pound forward averaged 13.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.9
assists and 1.6 blocks as a freshman last year. It will be a
tough act to follow, but Green will anchor a formidable
frontcourt alongside Brandon Bowman and Roy Hibbert.
Projected
Conference Rank:
Experience is an issue off the
bench, but it won’t be for the starting backcourt of Ashanti
Cook, Jonathan Wallace and Darrel Owens. There will be some
tough games early in the year while the newcomers adapt to their
roles off the bench, especially with the non-conference schedule
ahead of the Hoyas. However, by the time the Big East conference
schedule rolls around, the newcomers will be ready to fill in. A
6th place finish in the Big East isn’t great, but
this year 6th is easily good enough for a trip to the
NCAAs.
Projected
Post-season Tournament:
NCAA
Projected Starting
Five:
Ashanti Cook, Senior,
Guard, 10.8 points per game
Jonathan Wallace,
Sophomore, Guard, 6.5 points per game
Darrel Owens, Senior,
Forward, 7.2 points per game
Brandon Bowman,
Junior, Forward, 15.1 points per game
Jeff Green, Sophomore,
Forward, 13.1 points per game
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