Oct. 25, 2009

PHOTO GALLERY

WASHINGTON - The Georgetown University men's basketball team welcomed members of the Hoya Hoop Club as well as members of the 2010 senior class to the annual Hoya Hoop Club open practice on Saturday morning.

Members of the Hoya Hoop Club, as well as seniors who donated to their class gift, were able to meet with the team, attend a question and answer session with Head Coach John Thompson III and then watch practice at McDonough Arena.

The morning started at 10 a.m. as the team held an autograph session at Leo O'Donovan Hall, with approximately 175 loyal Hoya Hoop Club members taking part. At 10:30 a.m., Thompson addressed the crowd as part of a Q&A session. Thompson shared his excitement for the upcoming season and maintained that the BIG EAST Conference is once again among the best in the country. Following the Q&A session, the morning concluded with attendees watching the team's practice at McDonough Arena. Of most interest to fans was the first glace at Georgetown's newcomers. The crowd had the opportunity to observe the team in action as they ran through technical drills for passing, shooting and positioning under the basket. The day ended with a reception in the McDonough Arena lobby with pizza and refreshments for all who attended. A great deal of momentum and anticipation was expressed by supporters with only a few weeks until the season opener.

Georgetown was picked to finish in fifth place in the BIG EAST Conference at this year's media day, held on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Sophomore center Greg Monroe (New Orleans, La./Helen Cox) was selected to the Preseason All-BIG EAST First Team, the only underclassmen selected on the five-man team, which includes four seniors.

The Hoyas open the 2009-10 regular season on Friday, Nov. 13, visiting Tulane.

Georgetown's home opener is Tuesday, Nov. 17 against Temple. Tip-off at Verizon Center is slated for 4 p.m.