The Hoya: Fall Basketball Preview: November 2, 2018

2018-2019

BASKETBALL PREVIEW

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Late-Game Inconsistency Haunts 17-18 Season CARTER OWEN Hoya Staff Writer

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atrick Ewing’s (CAS ’85) first campaign as head coach of the Georgetown men’s basketball team provided excitement and reason for optimism, but the season was marred by blown leads and one of the weakest nonconference schedules in the nation.

After the firing of longtime Head Coach John Thompson III and the departure of the Hoyas’ two top scorers from the 201617 season, guards Rodney Pryor and L.J. Peak, the Hoyas faced a rebuilding year in which expectations were not high.

Georgetown was picked to finish ninth out of 10 teams in the Big East in a preseason coaches’ poll; most projections had the Hoyas finishing at 5-13 in the conference.

Despite signs of promise, the Hoyas were plagued by inconsistency and youthful mistakes, finishing with an overall record of 15-15 and a 5-13 record in the Big East.

Then-junior center Jessie Govan and thenjunior forward Marcus Derrickson were bright spots for the Hoyas, leading the team in scoring and rebounding while shooting over 50 percent from the field. Both players thrived in Ewing’s post-heavy offense.

Govan increased his scoring from 10 points a game as a sophomore to 18 points

per game as a junior last season, pulling down twice as many rebounds. Derrickson, meanwhile, doubled his scoring and rebounding while becoming a deadly outside threat, shooting 46.5 percent from three. The two took turns carrying the Hoyas on offense, with Derrickson’s key game-tying three pointer in a double-overtime victory over St. John’s Jan. 20 serving as a highlight of the season.

In a surprising move, Derrickson chose to leave Georgetown on April 9 and enter the NBA draft after the Hoyas’ season ended.

Derrickson’s gamble paid off, as he secured a two-way contract with the Golden State Warriors in October.

Still, Ewing had nothing but positive words to say about Derrickson’s move to the professional leagues.

“I’m happy for Marcus. I’m happy he was able to get a two-way deal,” Ewing said at the Georgetown men’s basketball media day.

Though initially unhappy with the loss of one of his two best players from last season, Ewing understands Derrickson’s decision to leave and said that the move will improve how potential recruits view the program.

“I wasn’t happy that he told me he was leaving, but ... every kid that plays basketball dreams of getting to the NBA,” Ewing said.

“When you have guys that you can add on our NBA wall of fame, that definitely makes you look good.”

Despite the individual successes of

Georgetown’s top players last season, the team suffered from an inability to close out games.

On several occasions last year, the Hoyas had comfortable leads against quality opponents before crumbling during the stretch and losing in heartbreaking fashion. Overtime losses to Syracuse, Butler, Xavier and Marquette highlighted the Hoyas’ inexperience and inconsistent guard play. Over the course of the season, the Hoyas surrendered second-half leads in six of their 13 Big East losses.

The Hoyas’ weak nonconference schedule last season also raised questions. By the season’s end, Georgetown’s rating percentage index, which accounts for strength of schedule in addition to record, stood at 165. The figure was the worst in the Big East by a large margin, and no team that made the NCAA tournament had a worse RPI. The Hoyas routinely dominated their opponents in nonconference play, avoiding having to execute under pressure.

Reflecting on his first year in charge of the program, Ewing admitted he had to adjust to coaching in college after 13 years of experience as an assistant coach in the NBA. “College is a lot different than the NBA,” Ewing said. “There’s a lot more that goes into college coaching; your responsibility is a lot more.”

Despite Georgetown’s poor nonconference schedule and its struggles in the Big

East, the team has reason for optimism this season: Govan returns as a unanimous AllBig East First Team preseason selection, and the Hoyas will welcome aboard two dynamic freshman guards in Mac McClung and James Akinjo.

“College is a lot different than the NBA. There’s a lot more that goes into college coaching; your responsibility is a lot more.”

PATRICK EWING

Men’s Basketball Head Coach

As Ewing becomes more comfortable behind the helm and as the team gains chemistry, Georgetown can build off its mistakes last season, leaning on Govan, its coaching staff and touted freshmen.

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Ewing Leads Hoyas Into Next Chapter of Legendary Rivalry GUHOYAS

MITCHELL TAYLOR Hoya Staff Writer

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f the 13 nonconference games scheduled for the 2018-19 season

by Georgetown Head Coach Patrick Ewing (CAS ’85), only one is slated against an opponent ranked in AP’s Preseason Poll: Syracuse.

On Dec. 8, the Hoyas will visit the No. 16 Orange as Ewing makes his first trip to the Carrier Dome since his days

donning a Blue and Gray uniform as a player.

On Jan. 17, 1982, the 7-foot-1 Ewing made his first appearance at Syracuse as Georgetown’s center. His first taste of the Georgetown-Syracuse rivalry was bitter: The No. 8 ranked Hoyas fell to the Orangemen 75-70.

Nearly a year later, on Jan. 10, 1983, Ewing and the Hoyas competed in one of the rivalry’s most heated contests. Before the start of the game, a fan rolled

a banana on the court, and supporters held signs that read, “Ewing can’t spell ESPN.” While Ewing was attempting a free throw just three minutes into the game, someone in the Syracuse student section threw an orange at him. Despite the racism and abuse that Ewing dealt with on that day and throughout his Georgetown career, he maintained his composure, and Georgetown emerged from the Carrier Dome with a 97-92 victory.

Syracuse Head Coach Jim Boeheim grabbed the stadium microphone, asked his team be assigned a technical foul and told the sell-out crowd of 31,327 to stop such behavior. This crowd set a record for the largest attendance at an on-campus NCAA Division I men’s basketball game, a record broken by the Orangemen two weeks later on Jan. 22.

Currently, the Orange still hold the record for largest single-game attendance, with 35,446 in a game against the Duke Blue Devils in February 2014.

Nevertheless, Ewing is not yet concerned about his team performing in one of the most historically intimidating venues in college sports in December.

“I’m not thinking about the Carrier Dome right now,” Ewing said at the Georgetown men’s basketball media day. “Going against Syracuse is way down the line on my mind as a coach and even as a player.”

When the Hoyas do arrive at the Carrier Dome, they will be greeted by a familiar name sewn across a No. 55 Syracuse jersey hanging from the rafters: Orr. In 2015, Louis Orr’s jersey was retired

by Syracuse University for his contributions as a player from 1976 to 1980. He was a member of Boeheim’s first recruiting class and later served alongside the Hall of Fame coach as an assistant from 1996 to 2000. Now, he serves as assistant coach for the Hoyas.

Ewing and Orr were teammates on the New York Knicks from 1985 to 1988 and developed a close friendship; the Syracuse legend joined Ewing’s staff as an assistant coach in 2017.

In his second year with the Hoyas, Orr will have to face the Orange faithful not only as a member of his alma mater’s longtime rival but also as the opponent of the same coach who recruited him in his youth: Boeheim.

For Ewing, December’s game will present a challenge, but not one that he is currently worried about.

“I’ll start worrying about them when that time comes,” Ewing said. “Syracuse is a very good team; they’re led by a Hall of Fame coach, but I take it a day at a time.”

Ewing, in the Hall of Fame himself, was 7-3 against the Orange in his playing career as a Hoya. Last season, Ewing’s squad fell to Boeheim’s 86-79 in overtime.

December’s matchup will present not only an opportunity for Ewing to notch his first victory against the Orange as a coach but also a chance for new Georgetown players to play against Syracuse for the first time.

“Syracuse is definitely highlighted for everybody,” transfer guard Greg Malinowski said at media day.

The rivalry also includes an added dimension this year: Boeheim’s son, freshman guard Buddy Boeheim, will be playing his first season for the Orange.

While tipoff is scheduled for over a month away, the Dec. 8 matchup against Syracuse serves as the marquee nonconference game for Georgetown and marks the Hoyas’ first test this season against a preseason-ranked team. The Big East currently contains only such team in No. 9 Villanova.

Georgetown may not be concerned with game-planning for the contest right now, but Ewing’s return to the Carrier Dome, where he experienced both moments of hostility and triumph against Boeheim and the Orange, serves as one of the Hoyas’ defining storylines leading up to the 2018-19 season.

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High School Stars McClung, Akinjo Represent

DAN BALDWIN Hoya Staff Writer

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s the 2018-19 season kicks off, the Georgetown men’s basketball freshman class will include two guards whose reputations precede them. Mac McClung is a viral dunking sensation who broke high school scoring records set by Allen Iverson, while four-star recruit James Akinjo turned down an offer from the University of Virginia, the No. 1 overall seed in last season’s NCAA tournament, to attend Georgetown.

Expectations are high for both McClung and Akinjo, and high expectations beget pressure from both fans and the media. Right now, with the departure of seven upperclassmen looming, Akinjo and McClung represent the future of the Georgetown basketball program.

Akinjo dominated the high school and AAU basketball scene his senior year, leading the Oakland Soldiers to a title in the 2017 Peach Jam Tournament and claiming the tournament’s Most Valuable Player Award.

Meanwhile, McClung, a local recruit from Gate City, Va., broke Georgetown legend Iverson’s single-season scoring record of 948 points in the state of Virginia, which Iverson had held for over 20 years. McClung finished last year with 1,153 points, scoring 2,801 in his high school career.

“I love Mac. I love his toughness; I love his intensity. That’s one of the reasons why I recruited him. It’s not just about the dunks, that’s for the fans.”

PATRICK EWING Head Coach, Men’s Basketball

McClung has quickly become a household name among Georgetown fans for his viral dunking highlight videos. Two of his videos have more than 1.2 million views each, and rapper Drake has asked McClung for a jersey.

McClung garnered nationwide intrigue during his high school career for his unparalleled athleticism and dunking ability. McClung’s ability to throw down SportsCenter Top 10-worthy dunks midgame while standing at 6 feet, 2 inches has generated a level of excitement about a Georgetown recruit that has been absent for the past several seasons.

McClung’s teammates have taken notice of his presence on campus this fall.

“There is a bunch of excitement,” senior guard Greg Malinowski said at the Georgetown men’s basketball media day. “Coming in with [Patrick] Ewing last year obviously, but even this year with

the freshmen. The stands were getting a lot more packed, especially for Mac. His following will hopefully bring a lot more supporters, which is great for everybody.”

Still, Head Coach Patrick Ewing (CAS ’85) did not bring McClung to campus simply for his dunking ability. McClung’s athleticism allows him to thrive in transition play, whether that involves setting up his teammates or finishing above the rim through traffic.

In the half-court offense, McClung can score in a variety of ways. He is adept at using his quick first step to get past his primary defender or create space for a step-back jump shot. And he never shies away from an open shot.

Junior guard Jagan Mosely emphasized that McClung can score at the

rim, off the dribble and from behind the three-point line.

“With Mac, his scoring ability [is impressive],” Mosely said at media day.

“He can get to the rim with ease, and he also is a very good shooter, which a lot of people really don’t know about him.”

McClung put his offensive skills on display throughout his high school career at Gate City. Named the Bristol Herald Courier’s 2017-18 boys’ basketball player of the year, he averaged 38.4 points per game, eight rebounds per game, four assists per game and three steals per game.

McClung’s high school career culminated in a dominating performance in the Virginia High School League Class 2 basketball championship in March 2018, where he led Gate City to an 80-65 vic-

tory over Robert E. Lee High School.

With Ewing in attendance at the game, McClung scored 47 points on over70-percent shooting, dished out five assists, hauled in three rebounds, blocked three shots and recorded two steals in the game.

Ewing said he recruited McClung for his all-around ability and passion.

“I love Mac. I love his toughness; I love his intensity,” Ewing said at media day. “That’s one of the reasons why I recruited him. It’s not just about the dunks or all the highlight reels that fans love; that’s for the fans. Me as a coach loved his ability, his toughness. He’s not going to back down from anyone.”

McClung’s new partner in the back court, Akinjo, certainly made his mark during his high school and AAU ca-

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Hoyas’ Future, Ewing’s 1st Recruiting Class

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CASUAL HOYA

Freshman guards Mac McClung, left, and James Akinjo, enter their first college season as part of Patrick Ewing’s (CAS ’85) first recruiting class. Both players’ debuts are highly anticipated after successful high school careers.

reer as well. Arguably his most impressive accomplishment came in the 2017 Peach Jam Tournament, a competitive AAU Tournament in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball Division 1 Circuit, where he led the Oakland Soldiers to a championship.

Akinjo averaged 18.8 points, 6.8 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game against some of the top teams in the nation, earning MVP of the tournament.

For historical context, the co-MVPs of the 2016 Peach Jam Tournament were Trae Young, the fifth pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, and Michael Porter Jr., the 14th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. Not bad company for Akinjo.

Akinjo committed to the Hoyas after decommitting from the University of Connecticut amid Head Coach Kevin

Ollie’s dismissal from the program. Ollie was fired in March for impermissible contact with recruits, including arranging a call between a potential recruit and UConn legend Ray Allen. Akinjo’s commitment marked Ewing’s biggest recruiting victory since he began his tenure on the Hilltop. Akinjo was ranked ninth in the state of California for high school recruits by ESPN and received offers from both the University of Maryland and the University of Virginia.

Though undersized, Akinjo has the ability to carry an offense for long periods of time with his creative ball handling and shooting abilities. Akinjo’s vision also allows him to get his teammates involved consistently throughout the game.

Mosely said that Akinjo has the ability

to find his teammates in open positions and score in transition.

“James, being a two-way guard, he can push the tempo, get everybody involved, and he can also score for us,” Mosely said.

Akinjo’s strong on-ball defense and competitive nature rounds out his impressive skillset. At only 6 feet tall, Akinjo uses his quick footwork and anticipation to shut down opposing point guards.

Hoya fans received a glimpse of the basketball team’s future this summer, as Akinjo and McClung were paired together on the same team in the Kenner League, a summer league based in Washington, D.C. While competition in the Kenner League is not at the level of Big East conference play, the opportunity allowed the two freshman

Hoyas to work out a rhythm. Both players consistently dominated opposition with their wide-ranging talents. Akinjo averaged 22 points per game over a seven-game stretch, while McClung averaged 25.4 games over a fivegame period.

Nevertheless, Ewing cautioned Hoya fans to exercise patience with both players, as Big East basketball presents more challenges than the high school game.

“They’re still growing,” Ewing said.

“High school is a lot different than college. Things they were able to get away with in high school they won’t be able to get away with in college, especially the Big East. Everyone is growing. They’re growing; we’re growing together with them, but I expect them to have great college careers.”

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Govan, Talented Backcourt Provide Balance

MATT SACHS Hoya Staff Writer

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eporters, fans and players alike are all eager to see what Head Coach Patrick Ewing (CAS ’85) has in store for year two of his tenure in charge of the Georgetown men’s basketball team.

Senior forward Trey Mourning has noticed a change in Ewing’s demeanor before the start of this season.

“You see it in the way [Ewing] carries himself. This is year two for him; more of his players are here,” Mourning said at the Georgetown men’s basketball media day. “He’s more comfortable; the coaching staff is more comfortable; we as players are more comfortable.”

Georgetown’s first year under Ewing did not produce desired results, as the Hoyas finished 15-15 overall, dropping their last five games of the year and finishing third to last in the Big East Conference. The Hoyas were unable to close out games, losing six games in the Big East after holding the lead at halftime.

However, the team enters the 2018-19 campaign with new energy, adding fourstar freshman guard James Akinjo and three-star freshman guard Mac McClung to its backcourt, which struggled last year in matching up with guards across the Big East.

“It’s like a three-headed monster with me, James and Mac,” junior guard Jagan Mosely said.

Along with Akinjo and McClung, Georgetown will add four-star freshman forward Josh LeBlanc and four-star freshman forward Grayson Carter to its strong freshman class.

Senior guard Greg Malinowski will make his debut for the Hoyas this season after sitting out last year due to NCAA transfer rules, while Mourning, who missed all of last year with a hip injury, will return to the team.

Ewing said that the improved backcourt and wings will allow the Hoyas to adopt a more balanced game plan.

“We’ve improved the team,” Ewing said. “If you look at our team, we have a lot more options to go to than we did last year.”

The new additions to the lineup will complement the return of sophomore guard Jamorko Pickett, the team’s third leading scorer last year. Pickett was named to the All-Big East Freshman Team last season.

Ewing hopes Pickett can build on his performance as a freshman.

“He has to have a good year for us this year. I thought that he came on in the second half of last year, but in order for us to be successful he’s going to have to be one of the guys that is going to have to carry a load,” Ewing said.

More than anything, the emphasis will be on the leadership and production from senior center Jessie Govan, the team’s leading scorer last year, who returned to Georgetown after testing the NBA draft waters.

Govan has been named to the preseason All-Big East First Team and placed on the watch list for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Center of the Year Award.

Ewing emphasized that Govan must perform well in his last season on the Hilltop.

“Like I told him, this is his last year;

there’s no more. So, he has to have a great year,” Ewing said.

Govan is one of the key pieces for Georgetown, which, despite gaining several newcomers, lost forward Marcus Derrickson, who signed a two-way contract with the Golden State Warriors.

Derrickson’s departure will likely make opponents focus on Govan, but he is prepared for the extra pressure.

“This year the scouting report is out, so I have to be ready for game one,” Govan said. “I have to be ready for double teams and ready for having all the atten-

tion on me. I’m ready for that; the guys are ready. I’m going to embrace that role and make the right play.”

Georgetown will be challenged in Big East conference play by the strength of reigning national champion, No. 9 Villanova, and the return of many players across the conference.

Marquette junior guard Markus Howard will lead a potent Golden Eagle offense, while Big East Preseason Player of the Year junior guard Shamorie Ponds will return to St. John’s after averaging 21.6 points per game last

season.

Govan hopes to get drafted after this season but wants to lead the Hoyas back to prominence and cement his legacy as a Hoya.

“If I go out on that note, being the one to be the leader of this team that goes back to the NCAA tournament, gets Georgetown back on the map, I’ll think that would be great for me,” Govan said.

The 2018-19 campaign for the newlook Georgetown Hoyas begins Tuesday, Nov. 6, against the Eastern Shore Hawks.

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Graduate student forward Trey Mourning, pictured at the Georgetown men’s basketball media day, is the son of Alonzo Mourning (COL ’92), who played 15 seasons in the NBA after leaving Georgetown. Trey Mourning missed last season due to hip surgery but played in 10 games in the 2016-17 season.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2018 DANNY MCCOOEY Hoya Staff Writer

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or decades, the Big East Conference has been a standard of excellence in collegiate men’s basketball, and last season was no different. In the NCAA tournament, the Big East boasted six tournament berths and two No. 1 seeds and saw Villanova crowned the national champion.

With a wealth of new and returning talent in the conference, the road ahead will be hard for Georgetown. However, with new freshmen in the backcourt, improvement from last season’s returning stars and more head coaching experience for Patrick Ewing (CAS ’85), the Hoyas have a chance to pick up valuable conference wins.

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3. MARQUETTE The Golden Eagles have a plethora of offensive weapons that could lead them on a deep run in the NCAA tournament.

The explosive offense is led by junior guard Markus Howard, who is coming off a season in which he was the Big East’s third leading scorer with 20.4 points per game. If Marquette can clean up defensive errors and brave a tough nonconference schedule, the team could find itself in prime position come March.

4. GEORGETOWN The Hoyas finished eighth in the Big East last season after losing multiple overtime and one-possession games. Ewing returns for his second year on the Hilltop as head coach and brings with him two talented freshman guards in James Akinjo and Mac McClung, who will add a spark to an already talented backcourt that contains sophomore Jamorko Pickett and junior Jagan Mosely. Essential to success for Georgetown is center Jessie Govan, who returns for his senior year after aver-

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Around the Big East: Preview and Rankings

1. VILLANOVA The defending national champions have won the Big East regular season championship for four of the last five seasons and finished last season with the top-scoring offense in the country. Head Coach Jay Wright has cemented himself as one of college basketball’s all-time great coaches and will command a team led by redshirt senior guard Phil Booth and redshirt senior forward Eric Paschall, who both played influential roles in Villanova’s championship season. Booth and Paschall are joined by senior transfer guard Joe Cremo, who averaged 17.8 points at Albany, as well as fivestar freshman guard Jahvon Quinerly. The Wildcats lost four key starters to the NBA, including Big East Player of the Year Jalen Brunson, Final Four Most Outstanding Player Donte DiVincenzo and 10th-overall pick Mikal Bridges. However, if history has told us anything, it is that the Wildcats will continue to replace the players they have lost and maintain their dominance in the conference.

2. PROVIDENCE After upsetting Xavier and finishing runner-up in the Big East tournament last season, the Friars were granted a berth in the NCAA tournament. However, Providence graduated two key scorers in forward Rodney Bullock and guard Kyron Cartwright.

The Friars look to fill the gap with the return of their second-leading scorer and top rebounder in junior guard Alpha Diallo and one of their strongest defenders in junior forward Kalif Young. The loaded frontcourt will also feature redshirt senior forward Emmitt Holt, who averaged 12.5 points and 5.4 rebounds per game in 2017. The team’s height and experienced scorers will be a nightmare for Big East opponents.

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AMANDA VAN ORDEN/THE HOYA

Head Coach Patrick Ewing (CAS ‘85) is entering his second season in charge of the men’s basketball program.The Hoyas, who finished sixth in the Big East standings last year, will welcome four new freshmen this season, including guards Mac McClung and James Akinjo.

aging 17.9 points, 10 rebounds and 1.1 blocks as a junior. Govan can score from everywhere — the low block, midrange and from three — but will need to take on a larger role to fill the shoes of forward Marcus Derrickson, who signed with the Golden State Warriors. There are a lot of question marks surrounding this Georgetown team, but the pieces are in place for the Hoyas to make a run this season.

5. BUTLER Following a dominant sophomore season in which he averaged 15.7 points, junior guard Kamar Baldwin is poised for a big 2018-19 season. After the graduation of forwards Kelan Martin and Tyler Wideman, the Bulldogs’ scoring will need to come from some untested players such as senior big man Nate Fowler and redshirt junior Sean McDermott. The uncertainty regarding the Bulldogs’ upperclassman leadership must be answered before they can contend for another NCAA tournament berth.

6. ST. JOHN’S The Red Storm made a splash this offseason by adding junior guard Mustapha Heron from Auburn. Heron averaged 16.4 points and 5.3 rebounds for the Tigers last

year. He teams up in the backcourt with Preseason Player of the Year junior guard Shamorie Ponds. Last season, Ponds led the Big East with 21.6 points per game.

The talent on this St. John’s team rivals that of any in the conference, but a history of poor cohesion and defense could plague them yet again.

who averaged 11.9 points and 8.1 rebounds before tearing his ACL. However, the departure of two-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year Khyri Thomas to the NBA, as well as the graduation of key players like Marcus Foster and Toby Hegner, make it unlikely Creighton will receive another tournament bid.

7. XAVIER Last year’s Big East champions, the Musketeers lost more this offseason than perhaps any other team in the country.

Head Coach Chris Mack left for Louisville, while the Musketeers’ three leading scorers, Trevon Bluiett, J.P. Macura and Kerem Kanter, all graduated. Xavier does return sophomore forward Naji Marshall — a talented and athletic two-way player. Despite the matchup nightmare Marshall poses for defenses, the combination of transition and inexperience will likely keep Xavier on the outside looking in come March.

9. SETON HALL After nearly upsetting Kansas in last year’s NCAA tournament, Seton Hall will enter a rebuilding phase. The exits of three talented scorers in forward Desi Rodriguez, center Angel Delgado and guard Khadeen Carrington will leave a large offensive hole in the team. However, junior guards Myles Powell and Quincy McKnight should provide some scoring spark.

8. CREIGHTON The Bluejays look to back up their performance last season with a third consecutive NCAA tournament appearance.

Creighton’s success is predicated on the recovery of junior forward Martin Krampelj,

10. DEPAUL The Blue Demons finished last in the conference in 2018 and will likely face a similar fate this year. Seniors Max Strus and Eli Cain are skilled scorers at the guard position, but a depleted frontcourt following the graduation of three senior forwards will leave DePaul lacking the balance and experience to bounce back this season.

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Howard’s 1st Season Capped by WNIT Berth

JOSH ROSSON Hoya Staff Writer

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he Georgetown women’s basketball team had a successful 2017-18 season, appearing in the semifinals of the Big East tournament for the first time since 1999 and earning an appearance in the second round of the Women’s National Invitational Tournament for the first time since 2009.

Georgetown finished 16-16 overall and 9-9 in Big East play in the 2017-18 season, earning wins over both the eventual Big East regular-season champion Marquette and Big East tournament winner DePaul.

After starting 2-5 in conference play, the Hoyas earned an 85-58 victory over the Marquette Golden Eagles on Jan. 19.

Then-senior forward Cynthia Petke and then-junior guard Mikayla Venson earned a combined total of 59 points, outscoring Marquette by themselves. The win marked Georgetown’s largest margin of victory in conference play last season.

The women’s team also defeated DePaul 86-85 on Feb. 16. Then-junior guard Dionna White tallied a career-high 33 points in the Hoyas’ first win over the Blue Demons since 2010.

Georgetown ended its conference

schedule with two straight wins to finish 9-9 in the Big East, edging out Creighton by three points and defeating Providence by 26.

In the 2018 Big East tournament, sixthseeded Georgetown upset third-seeded Villanova in the quarterfinals with a score of 63-58. Petke led the way with 24 points and 11 rebounds, while White contributed 20 points, nine rebounds and three assists.

In the semifinal of the tournament, however, the Hoyas were dominated in their rematch with the Blue Demons, losing by 32 points.

After the Big East tournament, Georgetown received an at-large bid to the WNIT, where the team faced the University of Delaware in McDonough Area. The Hoyas advanced to the second round with a 10-point win over the Blue Hens.

Petke tallied 26 points, seven rebounds and five assists, while White recorded 16 points and six assists.

Head Coach James Howard’s first season at the helm ended with a three-point loss to Duquesne University in the second round of the WNIT. In that game, White notched 33 points, 11 rebounds and four steals, and Petke recorded 24 points and 10 rebounds.

This season, Georgetown will have to replace Petke’s scoring and defensive

contributions to the team, as she graduated from the Hilltop last year after transferring from Chipola College as a junior.

Petke was named the Big East’s most improved player, an honorable mention All-Big East selection and to the Big East all-tournament team for her performance last season.

Howard had high praise for Petke, saying the Hoyas will miss her hustle and leadership.

“Cynthia was good at stepping over and taking that charge; she was good at going in there and sticking her nose in there and getting that rebound in traffic,” Howard said in an interview with The Hoya. “Those things right there are something that we’re still trying to replace.”

The Hoyas recognized White’s excellence as well, naming her the team’s most valuable player and defensive player of the year. White led the Hoyas with 18.7 points per game, ranked second on the team with 6.5 rebounds per game and led the Big East with 88 steals.

Howard has continued to instill the fundamentals into his team’s style of play, White noted. “[Howard] still stresses fundamentals; that’s the foundation. If you don’t have fundamentals, then I can’t play basketball,” White said. “He really focuses on the fact of not relying on talent mainly,

because when the talent’s not there, then you have to fall back on your fundamentals.”

Georgetown will welcome the return of graduate student guard Dorothy Adomako, who did not play at all last season because of injury. As a junior, Adomako averaged 14.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, while contributing 38 blocks.

Adomako will add a dimension to Georgetown’s offense that it lacked last season, according to White.

“She’s going to do what she always did since she came here: She’s a scorer,” White said. “She knows how to score the ball, get buckets, rebound and just bring that extra offensive piece that we didn’t have last year.”

Adamanko said that the Hoyas will continue to play their high-tempo style of game, earning easy baskets in transition as they did last season.

“We’re going to look to come out and run teams like we’ve done in the past,” Adomako said. “Coach Howard preaches about it every day in practice, so hopefully we got that going for the first game.”

Howard’s first season on the Hilltop marked a steady improvement, but he expects bigger things from his team going forward.

“I expect us to compete for a Big East championship this season,” Howard said.

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White, Adomako, Venson Poised to Lead Hoyas BRENDAN DOLAN Hoya Staff Writer

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s the Georgetown women’s basketball team grapples with the departure of its three seniors, the team faces a problem common at the start of a college basketball season: attempting to fill the void left by star players and leaders who have graduated.

For some programs, the transition is seamless, as pivotal players return to their team’s roster and continue their roles from the past year. For the Hoyas, key figures who graduated from last year’s team have opened the door for this year’s upperclassmen to take the reins and lead the program.

The departure of Cynthia Petke will certainly leave a void in leadership.

The 6-foot-2 forward, who averaged a double-double as a senior last season, performed well in key moments for the Hoyas, securing big rebounds at the end of games, hitting timely buckets and barking out defensive assignments from the middle of the paint.

The Hoyas also lost guard DiDi Burton, who graduated and averaged a 2.93 assist-to-turnover ratio last season — 10th best in the nation. Center Yazmine Belk graduated as well after leading the Big East in blocks with 52 last season. She recorded 124 blocks in her career, the fourth highest in program history.

Senior forward Dionna White, graduate student guard Mikayla Venson and graduate student guard Dorothy Adomako are poised to fill the gap left by Petke, Burton and Belk. Additionally, two transfers, junior forward Anita Kelava and senior guard Brianna Jones, will get the chance to showcase their abilities this season after sitting out all of last year because of the NCAA’s transfer rules.

Head Coach James Howard is focused on the day-to-day activities to help get the team where it needs to be. This process poses its challenges and requires a similar type of leadership in practice and in the locker room, focusing on the team collectively rather than the players who will earn the most minutes.

Howard said Jones has taken on an important leadership role, motivating players in practice and in the gym. “[Jones] is that energizer. She’s the one that gets the other players in the gym,” Howard said in an interview with The Hoya. “[She] understands every offensive set, every defensive set. She’s willing to reach out to others and help make them better. Within the locker room I see them doing more as a team.”

With several new faces in the program this season, including six freshmen, Howard is looking to his seniors to get the freshmen up to speed.

“Our seniors coach [the freshmen], and they’re coaching them up and helping them through some trying times, because the games are much faster from high school to here, and they’re just trying to lend a hand,” Howard said.

Now a graduate student, Adomako has taken on a leadership role with the freshmen and the team as a whole. As a junior, Adomako started 29 games for the Hoyas, averaging 14.8 points per game and earning honorable mention all-Big East. Adomako was forced to watch the Hoyas from the bench last year, as she was sidelined with an injury.

Adomako recognizes the need for strong leadership and feels her experiences last year cultivated her capacity to lead.

“Sitting out last season, I got to lead in a different standpoint from the bench.

[I learned] how to cheer my team on the best that I can, and I learned a lot about leadership and more about the game sitting out, so I hope to bring those aspects to the game this year,” Adamako said.

White, who is entering her fourth year at Georgetown and was a team captain last season, earned Big East defensive player of the year and scored an average of 18.7 points per game.

White believes that the Hoyas are still searching for leaders for the 2018-19 campaign.

“Everybody steps up here and there, but right now we don’t have a consistent leader. I feel like Brianna Jones talks a lot though; that’s just her, like, natural role, but as far as establishing a leader, I don’t think as a team we know who our leaders are,” White said. “That’s something Coach Howard is really emphasizing — especially with me and Mikayla since we’re seniors — just to really focus on embracing that leadership role.”

Howard expects the Hoyas to be competitive in the Big East this season, as they have multiple leaders with experience playing on big stages and the ability to put up points.

“We have three experienced guards in Mikayla Venson, Dionna White and Dorothy Adomako. Dorothy [can] go score 30, Mikayla can score 30 and Dionna can score 30,” Howard said. “[We have] Brianna Jones, who is itching to get back on the floor and has played in the ACC, and Anita Kelava, who is 6-foot-3 [and has] played for the Croatian national team. I think we have the pieces to really say, ‘OK, it’s not a six-player team’; we’re more like 13-deep right now.”

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AMANDA VAN ORDEN/THE HOYA

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DERRICK ARTHUR-CUDJOE/THE HOYA

Senior guard Dionna White, top, was named the 2018 Big East defensive player of the year. Graduate student guard Dorothy Adomako, middle, returns after averaging 14.8 points per game two seasons ago. Graduate student guard Mikayla Venson, bottom, scored a team-high 51 threepointers last season.

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WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2018

GU Seeks Improvement Amid Strong Schedule

DEAN HAMPERS Hoya Staff Writer

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olstered by the return of its leading scorer and the debuts of two transfers, Georgetown looks to improve in its second year under Head Coach James Howard.

This year’s roster features considerable height and length, including 6-foot-5 sophomore center Breonna Mayfield, 6-foot-3 junior forward Anita Kelava, who sat out last season due to transfer rules, and 6-foot-1 graduate student guard Dorothy Adomako, who missed last season due to injury.

The Hoyas will need to use their length in the Big East this season, as they will face Marquette’s junior forward Tori McCoy and Creighton’s junior forward Morgan Turner, who are both 6-foot-4 and pose problems for opposing defenses.

Howard is confident that the Hoyas’ size will allow them to physically match up well with their opponents.

“We have a lot more length, and that is really one of our strengths. I think the size advantage is going to be really big in the matchups in the conference,” Howard said in an interview with The Hoya.

The Hoyas averaged 37 rebounds per game last season, a figure lower than that of any Georgetown team since 2011. After starting three small guards last year, Howard hopes the Hoyas’ size this year will allow them to dominate the glass and turn defensive rebounds into offensive opportunities.

“We’re trying to get back into our transition game because by being longer you can rebound, and you can get more people out on the break,” Howard said.

The depth on the roster, which features seven upperclassmen including the Hoyas’ l≠eading scorer last season, senior guard Dionna White, will allow Georgetown to vary its lineups each game.

“It’s going to all be based on matchups of the opponent and who we want to start. I don’t know if we’re going to have a solid starting five,” Howard said.

Graduate student guard Mikayla Venson, Georgetown’s third-highest scorer last season, senior guard Brianna Jones, White and Adomako will all play a role in the Hoyas’ deep rotation of guards.

Adomako averaged 14.8 points per game in the 2016-17 season and will make her return to the team after her injury last year, while Venson ranked third on the team with 13.2 points per game last season. Jones will debut for the Hoyas after transferring from Louisville. White, a team captain last year, will look to improve upon her strong performances as a junior, which earned her Big East Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-Big East Honors.

Georgetown’s schedule will be very competitive due to challenging non-conference opponents.

One of the potential highlights of the season will be the South Point Thanksgiving Shootout in Las Vegas, which features a matchup with perennial powerhouse Baylor. The Bears finished 33-2 and were unbeaten in the Big 12 last season.

In addition to Baylor, Georgetown will face other strong non-conference programs such as North Carolina State, which reached the Sweet 16 in last year’s tournament, and Fordham, which finished 12-4 in the Atlantic 10 before bowing out in the Women’s National Invitational Tournament last season.

In conference play, Georgetown’s biggest tests will come when it faces Marquette and DePaul – the top two teams in last year’s Big East – consecutively on Jan. 11 and Jan. 13 and again on Feb. 8 and Feb. 10. Marquette features the 2018 Big East Player of the Year in senior guard Allazia Blockton, while DePaul looks to defend its conference title from last season.

White said that the goals for the season include winning the conference, which Georgetown has not done since 1997, and reaching the NCAA Tournament, which Georgetown has not accomplished since 2012.

“The team goal is to win a championship, make it to the tournament and just build a legacy where the next group coming in can build on,” White said.

GUHOYAS

Senior guard Dionna White, Georgetown’s leading scorer last season, averaged 18.7 points per game and was named the Big East Defensive Player of the Year. White will remain a key part of a talented backcourt that includes graduate students Mikayla Venson and Dorothy Adomako.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2018

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

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After finishing sixth in the Big East last season, the Hoyas look to climb the conference standings. Georgetown will face challenging opponents such as a Marquette squad that returns all five starters from last season and a DePaul team with two All-Big East First Team selections.

Around the Big East: Preview and Rankings

BEN GAVER

Special to The Hoya

1. MARQUETTE Though Marquette lost to DePaul in the Big East championship last season, there is good reason to believe the Golden Eagles will dominate the conference standings in the 2018-19 campaign. The Golden Eagles are a veteran squad that will return all five members of their starting lineup from last year, including the reigning Big East player of the year, senior guard Allazia Blockton.

With plenty of skill and experience, the Golden Eagles are poised to avenge their loss in the Big East championship and make a run in the NCAA tournament.

2. DEPAUL DePaul will look to repeat as Big East champions after defeating Marquette in the final of last year’s Big East tournament. The Blue Demons earned fifth seed in the NCAA tournament and narrowly lost to Texas A&M in the second round. Though the loss of Amarah Coleman — named the Big East tournament most outstanding player — to the WNBA will hurt the team, two All-Big East First Team selections will return to the squad: Junior guard Kelly Campbell, a constant triple-double threat, and senior guard Mart’e Grays, the team’s leading scorer from last season, will provide the Blue Demons an opportunity to chasllenge the Golden Eagles in the Big East this season.

3. CREIGHTON Creighton finished last season with a 19-13 overall record and an 11-7 record in the Big East. The Bluejays will return their two leading scorers, senior forward Audrey Faber and junior forward Jaylen Agnew, and also look for growth from sophomore guard Temi Carda, who was selected to the All-Big East Freshman Team last season. Creighton will lean on Faber, Agnew and Carda this season as it contends with Big East powerhouses Marquette and DePaul.

4. GEORGETOWN The Hoyas are poised to improve upon last season, which ended with a sixthplace finish in Big East regular-season play and a second-round defeat in the Women’s National Invitational tournament. Though Georgetown lost a big presence in Cynthia Petke, who graduated last year, three upperclassmen will return to the team after sitting out last season.

Senior guard and Louisville transfer Brianna Jones and junior forward Anita Kelava, a transfer from Maine, will make their debuts after sitting out last season because of NCAA transfer rules. Coming off a season-ending injury last year, graduate student guard and three-time allBig East selection Dorothy Adomako will make her return to the team. The Hoyas will also have a potent backcourt composed of senior guard Dionna White and graduate student guard Mikayla Venson.

Head Coach James Howard will have many scorers at his disposal this year.

5. VILLANOVA With an impressive 23-9 record and an appearance in the second round of the NCAA tournament last season, Villanova remains another contender for the conference title. The Wildcats will miss Alex Louin, who graduated and was the team’s leading scorer last season. However, the talented guard duo of junior Mary Gedaka and senior sharpshooter Adrianna Hahn will look to pick up the slack.

6. ST. JOHN’S The Red Storm had an up-and-down 2017-18 season, finishing with a 19-15 record and a 9-9 record in conference play.

Talented sophomore guards Qadashah Hoppie and Tiana England will look to replace the loss of leading scorer Maya Singleton. St John’s will gain veteran support from senior forward Akina Wellere and junior guard Alisha Kebbe.

7. BUTLER Under the direction of Head Coach Kurt Godlevske, the Bulldogs finished 15-17 last season. The team will return two allBig East selections in senior forward Tori Schickel and redshirt senior guard Whitney Jennings, as well as their third leading scorer in junior guard Kristen Spolyar.

While their starting five will be strong, a lack of depth may cause concern for the Bulldogs this season.

8. PROVIDENCE Providence is a young team hoping to improve upon last season’s 10-20 record

and last place finish in the Big East. The Friars will return their four top scorers, including senior guard Jovana Nogic, who averaged over 17 points a game.

Sophomore guard Channel Williams will be an important part of the Friars’ backcourt as she aims to build off her All-Big East Freshman Team selection from last season. Look for Providence to make significant improvements this year as it gains more experience as a team.

9. SETON HALL The Pirates finished with a disappointing 16-16 record after leading scorer Donnaizha Fountain left the team abruptly midway through the season. The team will return one of their top four scorers in senior guard Inja Butina and will be aided by two transfers, sophomore guard Desiree Elmorem and graduate student guard Diandra Darosa. With multiple transfers, the Pirates may take some time to gel throughout the year.

10. XAVIER Xavier, like Providence, was a young team that struggled to find its footing last season, losing 20 out of 30 games. This season may prove tough for the Musketeers once again, as all three of their top scorers graduated. Sophomore guard Aaliyah Dunham, who averaged six points a game last season and was selected to the All-Big East Freshman Team, will look to push the team forward. Without a single senior on their roster, Xavier may experience growing pains against strong Big East competition.

ILLUSTRATION BY: EMILY SHAMBAUGH/THE HOYA