Any discussion of the
Hoyas’ prospects for this season has to begin with two of the premier
players in the league, 7'2" center Roy Hibbert and 6'8" forward Jeff
Green. Both will likely be lottery picks next season if they declare for
the NBA draft. Hibbert became a force last year after being a limited-role
player as a freshman. He averaged 11.6 ppg and 6.9 rpg in only 24.0 mpg
and shot 59% from the field. Even modest progress from last season, and
Hibbert could be nearly unstoppable. Fortunately for Georgetown opponents,
the Hoyas often use Hibbert at the high post as they run their
Princeton-style offense. Hibbert is a good passer for a big man, but
opposing fans must breathe a sigh of relief when he’s away from the low
block.
Defensively, Hibbert is
also a force as he blocked 54 shots last season in 33 games (1.6 per
game). He also alters numerous shots as well even if he doesn’t block
them. With more experience, his impact in this area should be even greater
this season.
Green, who
can play either forward position, is one of the leading preseason
candidates for Big East Player of the Year as he can do basically anything
on the court. At either spot, he’s a defender’s nightmare. On the
perimeter, if his defender pressures him, he can put the ball on the floor
and drive; if the defender lays off him, he can bury the mid-range jumper;
if he gets the ball on the block, he can post his defender and either
power past him or leap over him. As a bonus, Green is an excellent passer
who actually led the Hoyas in assists at 3.3 apg.
Green’s 2005-2006
averages of 11.9 ppg and 6.5 rpg don’t stand out. However, two factors
must be taken into consideration to put those stats in proper perspective.
First, the Hoyas had a balanced attack last season as six players averaged
at least 6.1 shots per game. (Green averaged 9.7 shots per game.) Also,
Georgetown’s offensive tempo was considerably slower than that of any
other team in the league as they frequently made opponents play defense
for at least 25-30 seconds per possession.
The third returning
starter is point guard Jonathan Wallace. He's not flashy, but he
understands how to run Coach John Thompson lll’s offense. He didn't have
to score last year (7.9 ppg) with Hibbert, Green, Brandon Bowman, Ashanti
Cook, and Darrel Owens around, but he did shoot 41% from behind the arc,
an indication he can be a threat from deep if left open. More
importantly, Wallace had a 2.3/1.0 assist-to-turnover ratio. In fact, he
averaged only 1.4 turnovers per game in 30.8 mpg. Wallace is also a solid
defender who stays in front of his man and is seldom beaten off the
dribble. He doesn’t get much publicity, but he’s key to any success the
Hoyas have this season.
Georgetown
lost three significant contributors from last year’s team in Bowman, Cook,
and Owens, who combined for nearly 30 ppg their senior year. Someone has
to step up at the 2 to replace Cook. Sophomore Jessie Sapp got decent
playing time later in the season and at times looked pretty good. However,
he averaged only 2.8 ppg and shot a disappointing 21% from behind the
arc. Though he’s the leading candidate to start at the 2, he will find
himself back on the bench unless he can improve that figure.
Another
candidate, sophomore Josh Thornton played in only six games last year and
totaled 20 minutes of playing time. Freshman Jeremiah Rivers is a combo
guard, but perimeter shooting is reportedly not his strong suit. Replacing
Bowman will not be as much of a problem. One option, Vernon Macklin (#16
on RSCI), is a terrific talent. The 6'8"/6'9" power forward is strong,
quick, and athletic. He is an explosive leaper, which will make him tough
to defend near the hoop. He is definitely one of the top incoming
freshmen in the conference and should make an immediate impact. If he
starts at the 4, then Green will play the 3.
However,
the Hoyas also brought in another athletic forward in 6'7" DaJuan Summers
(#26 on RSCI) who can play the 3 or the 4. If Summers can win a starting
spot at small forward, Green will start at the 4. Whether Summers starts
or not, he should get considerable playing time.
Despite the likelihood
of two freshmen playing significant minutes, the Hoyas already have the
best all-around frontcourt in the conference in Hibbert, Green, Macklin,
and Summers. Then add to the mix Indiana transfer Patrick Ewing, Jr., a
former Top 100 high school player. Ewing never got untracked at Indiana,
and he will have to beat out one of the two freshmen to see any meaningful
playing time. Regardless of which players are on the court, most Big East
teams will have trouble matching up with the Hoyas’ frontcourt.
