Dec. 17, 2009
Georgetown v. ODU: I Hate Exam Games!
I hate exam games! I hate them almost as much as I hate the first game after semester break. This Saturday's game is, you guessed it, an exam game! Thus, I face it with a certain degree of trepidation not ordinarily felt against teams from the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). My trepidation is heightened by the fact that our opponent, the Old Dominion University (ODU) Monarchs are 2-0 against us at McDonough Gym and, most recently, during the 2006-07 Final Four season, they spanked us badly there, 75-62, with chants of "CAA, CAA" filling the air. This broke a McDonough Gym winning streak for the Hoyas dating back to 1981-82, another Georgetown Final Four season. The 2006-07 game was held on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, and this game is being held on the Saturday before Christmas, further increasing my stress level. And, if memory serves, there were a substantial number of ODU fans in attendance at McDonough that day. Of course, the 13-point loss three seasons ago was better than the 80-58 humping that ODU put on us during the 1977-78 season in an East Coast Athletic Conference tournament game, so that should ease my stress level somewhat. And we did return the favor during the 2007-08 season by beating ODU 66-48 at their home court. Nevertheless, the gnawing feeling remains, and I will just have to cheer through it in the friendly confines of McDonough!!
Thus far, this year's Hoyas have given us much to cheer about! Of course, an 8-0 record with recent impressive victories over nationally-ranked Butler and Washington away from the Verizon Center (or the friendly confines of McDonough) will do that to you! But, as I pointed out in my earlier Tulane/Temple blog, this team enjoys playing defense, has a toughness about it, is not afraid to mix it up, and seems to really enjoy playing with one another! Sophomore Greg Monroe, ESPN's reigning national player of the week and Big East player of the week, continues to impress and becomes more assertive with each passing game. Junior Austin Freeman remains "Mr. Steady" and seems to have a knack for knocking down an early three to get the Hoyas going. Junior Julian Vaughn brings lunch pail toughness to the game, reminiscent of former Hoya and NBA player Don Reid, C'95. Vaughn also is reminding Hoya fans generally why he was Mr. Basketball in Virginia following his senior year in high school! Sophomore Jason Clark remains a whirling dervish on the floor, with his arms that go forever and a keen eye for the basketball. Ironically, Clark also appears to be a steadying influence on the floor, and, in my mind, is competing with Vaughn for most improved player this season. Junior Chris Wright provides floor leadership and Freshman Hollis Thompson has shown long range on his jump shot and, like Clark, a nose for the basketball! With continued team play and development of other players as well, I believe that this team could be something special!
Before the game this Saturday, I encourage everyone to join the third annual Hoya Hoop Club Holiday Party at Leo's (O'Donovan Hall) from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The cost is $15 per person (children under six are free) and includes light dinner fare and a beer and wine open bar. (There is also a rumor about that Santa, an avid Hoya fan, will take time out from Christmas preparations to pay a visit to Leo's as well.) And please remember to bring an unwrapped children's book to benefit the Coach John Thompson III Foundation. http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/gu/genrel/auto_pdf/HHCPartyBookList.pdf The books contributed will be distributed to Everybody Wins DC! Then, make your way down the hill to McDonough, the Hoyas's home since 1951, and root them on to victory against Old Dominion!!
Finally, I want to wish all readers and Hoya fans the happiest of holiday seasons, a Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2010! BEAT ODU!
WE ARE GEORGETOWN!!
Respectfully submitted,
Michael Karam, F'72, L'76, L'82
Proud member of Generation Laughna
