Coming off last year’s inspiring NCAA Tournament run, the Georgetown men’s basketball team opens its 2001-02 season tomorrow night in McDonough Arena. While the opening game against Marymount, hardly a difficult opponent, might not be the most exciting game of the year, this year’s Hoya team will definitely be one worth watching. It may be one of the most thrilling and potentially talented Georgetown team in the past decade.
The team’s players will certainly be worth watching. Senior guard and captain Kevin Braswell returns to lead the Hoyas. A clever floor leader, he can also score and create opportunities for his teammates. Sophomore Michael Sweetney, most likely an NBA talent, spent the summer on the USA Young Men’s national team and will provide an intimidating force for opponents. A host of first-years and role players fill the holes and offer a bright future for Georgetown basketball. Put them together, and McDonough arena is the place to be on Friday night.
Whether you are a sports fan or not, basketball has an undeniably special place on the Hilltop. A main reason why Georgetown stands out among the nation’s top colleges in the country is not because of the superior language programs, the School of Foreign Service or the M Street bar scene. It’s because in the early 1980s, John Thompson’s outstanding basketball teams brought our University into the national spotlight. Applications shot up as a result, and Georgetown today is still nationally recognized just as much for basketball as for academics.
Over the past three years, Head Coach Craig Esherick has had the difficult task of restoring the basketball program to its former glory. His quick progress has been remarkable, and this year’s team may just be able to top their achievements of last year.
Go out to McDonough Friday, or to any other game this year. Support the Hoyas. They deserve it.
