AMERICAN GAME PREVIEW BLOG
It is rare to see the Hoyas face two DC area opponents in a season, yet alone in the same week. After the extremely dominate and impressive Hoya victory over the 'Terps in the OSC, Georgetown is slated to compete against the defending Patriot League Champions, American University on Saturday. The Eagles enter the game with a 4-3 record and is loaded with senior leadership. This veteran team is led by Garrison Carr a 5'11" guard and Brian Gilmore a 6'8" forward. This year, both the Hoyas and Eagles had wins against a solid Jacksonville squad where AU prevailed with a 75-67 victory.
American University Eagles
AU has a tough road ahead of them as they start off their DC area "road trip" against the Hoyas. After the Hoyas, AU faces the always competitive GW Colonials, then head to Baltimore to play the 2008 America East Champions, UMBC Retrievers, and finish off with the 'Terps right before Christmas. Happy Holidays, right?? Ouch! However, this tour will challenge the Eagles and provide them with solid competition to prepare for Patriot League action, in which they could earn back to back conference championships and NCAA tournament berths.
Carr will pose some threats in the back court and Gilmore will test the Hoyas in the front. It will be interesting to see how Gilmore and Greg Monroe match up, senior vs. freshman. If Gilmore plays smart, he could get the freshman Monroe in early foul trouble. Yet, I think Monroe's athleticism and basketball savvy combined with the guard play of the Hoyas will be too much to handle for the Eagles. Seeing this is a local match up, I hope we witness a packed Verizon Center with fans representing both side, providing an energetic atmosphere and making for an entertaining Saturday afternoon. Oh yeah, and a Hoya victory!!
Georgetown University Hoyas
With all pre-Big East games, this is a time for the Hoyas to improve upon their weaknesses, continue to build their strengths, and develop awareness for one another on the court. As I anxiously watched the game against Maryland, I felt this was the first game this season the Hoyas played cohesively as though the pieces of the puzzle were starting to come together. Even though Coach Thompson and his crew continue to look ahead one game at a time, there are a lot of positive things they can take from the OSC experience.
For most, if not all Hoya fans, we had no idea what to expect this year. I did not think I would be as emotionally involved with this team as I was with the past two Hoya squads. I had the opportunity to get to know Roy, Pat, J-Wall and the rest of the guys as I shared the McDonough court with them during my days on the Hilltop. Having a kinship with them, I naturally had an admiration that I did not think I would experience once they graduated. After objectively watching the Hoyas these past 5 games, I am more excited than ever about the season that is about to unfold, proving I will always passionately Bleed Hoya Blue when it comes to Hoya hoops.
We have an exciting, young team representing Georgetown, who cannot be overlooked by their competition. The maturity of Chris Wright from this year to last is most impressive to me thus far. When he healed from his injury and was finally able to play last season, I thought, at times, he tried to take over during situations that veteran's on the squad were more experienced to handle. This year, Wright in some instances, has been too unselfish, passing up shots to distribute to other players. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying this is a bad thing!! His growth and patients will play a vital and key role during Big East action.
The only member of this squad that I still know personally is Jessie Sapp, whose senior leadership is invaluable. I feel many people underestimate Jessie's talents and his abilities will haunt many teams. If I recall correctly, it was during the Maryland game that one of the ESPN announcers stated something to the effect of, "Sapp's not a talented player, but he's a competitor." I wish Jessie heard that comment. Knowing him and his New York toughness and mentality, it would only drive him to continue to improve his game and prove the doubters wrong.
Saturday will be an exciting match up against another local DC opponent. Steady and solid play should lead the Hoyas to a productive and convincing win.
Georgetown vs. American
December 6, 2008 - 1pm tip off time
Location: Verizon Center
TV: MASN
Radio: AM 570
We Are Georgetown! Hoya Saxa!
Leslie A. Tyburski
I am not quite sure which generation I belong too but one day I'll figure it out J (MSB '06)
