The Hoya Hoop Club sponsored its annual Open Practice on Sunday, October 22 in McDonough Arena. The event started off with all of the youngsters in attendance getting autographs from the current players, and that was followed by a Q & A with Coach John Thompson III. After the Q& A, Hoop Club members enjoyed watching an hour of the team's practice, then gathered in the John Thompson lobby for dinner. Below are some excerpts from the Q & A.

On handling high expectations:
We go about our business the same way if there are no expectations than if there are high expectations. At the end of the day we've got to come in here, lock the doors and get better.

On recruiting locally:
There's a lot of talent in the DC, Baltimore, Virginia area. There always is. I think we've been fortunate that the guys here locally think we're doing things the right way. Hopefully, knock on wood, that will continue.

On differences in coaching styles between him and his father:
I think that's for you all to figure out. When I came back here I didn't say, "O.K., I'm going to do A, B and C like Dad did it, and I'm gonna do D, E and F like he didn't do it." This is just who I am.

On the BIG EAST Conference:
I think the league as a whole loses a lot, but it also returns a lot. Connecticut will be young but the most talented, Villanova has the potential to be good ... I think DePaul will be very good, Pitt has the answers, they have depth at every position, and we have the tools we just have to figure some things out. When you start naming teams (in the BIG EAST), you name half the league.

On playing Maryland:
Why doesn't someone ask Gary Williams that question? That question always seems to end up back in this building ... As I understand it, they feel Georgetown owes them a game. Once we go there and play, then we can start the home and home, as I understand it.

On his expectations:
To be better. I didn't put together a time table when I came here. If I had put together a five-year plan, we'd probably be ahead of that by now ... Everyone has heard me say we want to take baby steps.

On what the fans and supporters can do to help:
Everybody has been great, the support has been great. I thank you, my guys thank you. But sooner or later we've got to address the issue of this building.