Some have forgotten, others weren’t even here. But, as a senior, I remember all too well the humiliating loss to Duke and the last second heart-breaker against Syracuse during my freshman year.
I remember what it was like to attend a school that had once been a basketball force to be reckoned with, but that had faded into a mere shadow of its former self. When I came to Georgetown, the program appeared to be well past its prime. Gone were the days of Thompson, Ewing, Mutombo, Mourning or even Iverson. The national title had come decades ago. And Georgetown basketball was in the hands of a man named Esherick.
I knew when I applied that Georgetown’s program was not what it had once been. Still, I couldn’t help but feel that I was somehow missing out on a vital part of the college experience.
But then came a revolution. When Esherick was inexplicably granted a contract extension through 2009, it was the last straw. The students of Georgetown erupted in protest, demanding that the struggling coach be fired and that a more suitable replacement be found. The Hoyas got their wish. Esherick was canned and a new coach was chosen, the son of the last man to bring Georgetown a national title: John Thompson III.
After seeing the Hoyas in action during my freshman year, I must admit that I was skeptical. Sure, JTIII was likely to produce better results than the likes of Esherick, but could he really measure up to Pops? My doubts were soon laid to rest. In his first year, Thompson took a team that had barely made the Big East tournament in 2004 to the NIT. The following year, the improved Hoyas made it all the way to the Sweet Sixteen. And then, of course, there was this year. Big East champs. Big East Tournament champs. Final Four. The resurrection that Thompson has orchestrated in such a very short time is simply astounding. Some expected big things, but the Final Four in only three years was certainly a stretch at the time. This could very well be the beginning of a new era in Hoya Hoops History.
Unless Georgetown manages to screw this up.
Thompson has two years left on a contract that pays him $456, 000 a season. A nice chunk of change, to be sure. But not only does this salary place him in the bottom third of his fellow Big East coaches, but it also puts him about $1 million short of the salaries of the other three coaches in the Final Four.
Some suggest Thompson might leave for a more lucrative contract, either at another school or even in the NBA. Any team out there would consider itself lucky to have a miracle worker like Thompson. But his revival of Georgetown’s basketball program is only one reason why Thompson is such an asset. The man carries himself with dignity and respect. You will never see him lose his cool. He represents Georgetown’s core values: loyalty, family, integrity and tradition. Thompson has not only restored victory to Georgetown basketball, but pride as well. I honestly believe that he will be back for at least two more years. His character binds him to this school.
Georgetown doesn’t have to give him a raise to keep him next year. But they should. A considerable raise is necessary if they hope for Thompson to return after his current contract expires. But more importantly, the man deserves it. Will it be expensive to give JTIII the raise he deserves? Of course. But Georgetown won’t see a cent of this future alum’s money if they let him go. I don’t think I’m alone in that sentiment.
