The men’s basketball team accomplished its No. 1 goal this year: to return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1997. They finished the season with 25 wins and 8 losses, a trip to the Sweet Sixteen and hopes for a bright future. Although the Hoyas’ success was a team effort, teams are made up of individual players. Here’s how they did:
This week we’ll focus on the starters. Georgetown Head Coach Craig Esherick stuck with the same five the entire season.
Gerald Riley: Riley started all 33 games at small forward. Despite early-season success, he struggled down the stretch, rarely playing more than 15 minutes. Although the rookie was said to have a sweet shooting touch during the preseason, he failed to fully demonstrate his abilities. He is not one of the team’s better defenders and constantly picks up unnecessary fouls. Grade: C
Mike Sweetney: Sweetney came through on his promised potential and only got better as the year went on. He ended the season as the team’s top scorer and rebounder and the team’s best front court passer. His defense isn’t as impressive as his offense, but he blocks a good amount of shots per game and knows how to use his size down low. He was named to the Big East All Rookie team and had a double-double in all three NCAA Tournament games. Although he’s already amazing, Sweetney should get even better next year. Experience will help him improve his perimeter defense and help him to be even more assertive on offense. If he stays all four seasons at Georgetown, he could easily be Big East Player of the Year. Grade: A
Ruben Boumtje-Boumtje: Boumtje-Boumtje’s performance was a rollercoaster this season, with plenty of ups and downs. At times he dominated and at others he disappeared. Despite the inconsistency, he, more than any other Hoya, is responsible for ending the team’s home losing streak against Syracuse. As a 7-footer from Georgetown, he will probably get a shot at the NBA. Head Coach Craig Esherick frequently says that Boumtje-Boumtje will be a better pro-player than a college player, because his basketball instincts are still developing. Grade: B
Demetrius Hunter: Hunter is the most improved player on the Hoyas. He strengthened his already excellent defense by excersising more control. He is arguably the best defensive shooting guard in the country, as evidenced by his play against Juan Dixon in the Sweet Sixteen. On offense, Hunter dramatically improved his three-point shooting and his ability to help out with point guard responsibilities. His dunks are legendary. Grade: A-
Kevin Braswell: Braswell is the leader of the pack. These Hoyas follow one rule: If Braswell goes down, so do the Hoyas. Already a dynamic playmaker, this year, Braswell took advantage of his teammate’s abilities and pushed the Hoyas several levels higher. His shooting is still inconsistent, and he still gets out of control on occasion. Don’t forget about Braswell’s defense: He broke Sleepy Floyd’s career steals record. His ability to trigger the Georgetown pressure defense despite playing a ton of minutes is phenomenal. If he shoots slightly better, he’ll move up to the Big East First Team next year and could quarterback the Hoyas deep into the NCAA Tournament. Grade: A
