With the spring thaw approaching, so comes the cold reality that time is winding down for Georgetown’s men’s basketball season. This fact is not lost upon senior co-Captain Gerald Riley, who expected to have his breakout year after the departure of Mike Sweetney to the NBA. As the focus of opponents’ defensive game plans, the streaky shooter struggled to get into a rhythm early in the season and was often taken out of games because of foul trouble. During a frustrating stretch in which the Hoyas dropped six of seven games the effect Riley’s struggles had on the team’s success became evident. Even the soft-spoken Riley acknowledged his shooting troubles while Coach Craig Esherick tried to calm the storm by standing behind his captain and stressing patience.
With the plot set for a dramatic resurrection, Riley has played the role well by elevating his game to lead the Hoyas through their brutal conference schedule. The Georgia native broke out to average 26.7 points over his last four games. His impressive play has been met with praise from many, including Esherick, who knew and trusted in Riley’s potential the entire time.
“He’s had a stretch these last couple of games where I don’t know if anybody has played as well as he has in the country,” said Esherick.
The statement was warranted by two eye-popping performances this week, against Miami, who are led by their own hype-grabbing senior, Darius Rice. Yet, it was Riley, a lifelong friend of Rice’s, who dropped 35 points in an overtime contest in Miami, followed by a 37 point performance to light up the MCI center. Chants of “Gerald Riley” rained down from the student section after each of his three three-pointer and fast break flourishes. If not before, it became readily apparent that this was Riley’s team.
“[This year] is something I came in ready for with Mike [Sweetney] leaving. Some of the things I did last year had to increase this year,” said Riley as he explained the way the team bounced back from Sweetney’s departure for the NBA. With both wins against Miami coming off of tough losses-Providence and Villanova respectively-the team has forged a sense of resilience modeled on Riley’s own comeback. After re-discovering his shooting touch, his importance in the team’s game plan has never been greater.
“We’re going to keep on riding him. The key is to keep him out of foul trouble, and our game plan is to get the ball to him,” Esherick said.
Meanwhile, Riley’s demeanor is unfazed as he nonchalantly downplays his co-Big East player of the week award. The four-year starter, now used to the media, manages to divert the subject back to his team and their upcoming game against Virginia Tech. He robotically refers to the win against Miami as “just a victory” ready to be quickly forgotten. Yet, the game could be much more for the Hoyas’ plans of making the NCAA tournament, as they hope the Miami second half will become the benchmark for future games.
With an upcoming road contest at Blacksburg, Va., the Hoyas have an opportunity to pick up a key conference road win. As could be expected, a major factor will be Riley’s performance, which will depend as much on his heralded defense as his shooting. Virginia Tech’s top player, Bryant Matthews will be a tough match-up, and according to Esherick, Riley will be handed much of the task of guarding the emerging star.
“Gerald likes to talk a lot about shooting, but he plays real tough defense,” Esherick said.
What Riley really enjoys talking about are the teammates who get him open shots, especially against Miami.
“Matt [Causey] gave us some real good minutes, and I worked real well with Brandon [Bowman],” Riley said.
Surely, if Riley continues to knock down his shots and maintain his level of play his teammates will be happy to keep feeding their captain. With the remaining games of his career counting down, Riley seems to be heating up when expectations have never been greater.
