From South Philly to Georgetown

Last weekend the Hoyas obtained a big victory against a tough Villanova team on the road. Villanova has always been one of our great traditional rivals. When I made the road trip to the Wachovia Center the entire experience was like a walk through the streets of South Philadelphia. The Hoya Nation was ready for the big game. It was not one of our better played games, but any Big East win especially one on the road is important. The team did what they needed to do to win the game. Jeff Green's jumper to win the game was a big thrill for the Hoyas at the game, and the team. It was great to see large crowds at our pre-game party in the Cingular Pavilion (sponsored by PNC bank), and the post-game party at McFadden's in the Phillies' baseball stadium. I thought about being in Philly a few years ago after the Temple game, where only three people came to the post-game party. What a difference a few years and some victories have brought us.

Since the early 1980's our cry at Georgetown is that we may go through some rough times early in the season, but you do not want to play Georgetown in February or later. Indeed the recent win streak has been wonderful, but we must continue to focus on one opponent at a time, as is often stated by JT III and our coaching staff. The game against Pittsburgh will decide for now first place in the regular season. The important goals for any season are the winning the Big East Regular Season, the Big East Tournament, and then the NCAA tournament. Pittsburgh has been the most dominant team in the Big East for this decade. They have been a model of consistency. We lost a hard fought game in Pittsburgh in January. At the time I was impressed by their fans and enthusiasm. I know that our students and fans will exceed that in the big game on Saturday February 24, 2007. Please come to the game wearing your JTIII "We are Georgetown shirts" or your Hoya Hoop Club Nike Gray Polo shirts, or anything in Gray. Georgetown needs to fill the Verizon with "Gray" and some enthusiastic fans. The team needs and deserves our support for the wonderful season we are having. Remember, according to JTIII and former coach John Thompson, Jr., February is our time, i.e. "Georgetown Time." I will see everyone on Saturday!!

We are Georgetown! Hoya Saxa!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong (C'82)
Asst Vice-President Hoya Hoop Club
Generation Ewing