Five Questions: Georgetown

The next Big East Conference school in my Five Questions series is Georgetown University. My fellow "Biggest Fan of the Big East" contestant from Georgetown University was unable to stop by, so I asked Andrew from the Casual Hoya, to stop by and answer my Five Questions. Thanks Andrew!



What team is your favorite rival in the Big East?

As much as I’d love to shower you with Irish love on this glorious Monday, our biggest and my most favorite rival is still Syracuse for likely at least another year before they blot for greener pastures in the ACC. Everything annoys me about Syracuse, from the coaching staff to the players to the fruity nickname, and nothing quite gets our fanbase going then a matchup with the Orange. I know we’re looking forward to possibly gaining the 4 seed in the Big East Tournament to set up a possible rematch with Syracuse in Madison Square Garden.

What is the biggest improvement Georgetown has made this year from last year?

Defense. This Hoya group is much more focused and cohesive on the defensive end this season, and aside from the blip at Seton Hall last week Georgetown has been very difficult for opponents to score on. Sims has been an anchor down low and Georgetown’s length on the perimeter has been especially disruptive to teams that prefer to live on the outside. Hello, Notre Dame!

Who is your favorite player on the team?

I don’t like to play favorites since I really don’t like getting caught up in the ups and downs of any player individually. Having said that, it’s tough for me not to appreciate the work that both Henry Sims and Jason Clark have put in during their four years at Georgetown, and tonight on Senior Night I’m sure the hometown fans will give them a nice sendoff.

Henry Sims



What quiet player will become/has become a standout player this year?

Freshman forward Otto Porter is already one of the more popular Hoyas, and has looked better as a freshman than former Hoya Jeff Green did. Otto isn’t flashy but does everything right and seems to have gained the trust of JTIII with the ball in his hands. Along with Porter, fellow freshmen Jabril Trawick, Greg Whittington and Mikael Hopkins will all see action against the Irish, and have provided the Hoyas with a great foundation for the future.

Otto Porter, photo courtesy of the Washington Post



What is the best part about playing in the Big East?

From a fan perspective the best part about playing in the Big East is that every game is a battle. The inherent rivalries with each school make the games entertaining, and since there has been relatively little turnover among the coaches in the conference, each team brings its own unique offensive and defensive schemes. Even though some programs may have down years, there still is a level of visceral hate for certain schools that supercedes the actual result on the court. It’s really a shame that conference realignment has put a dent in some of these rivalries, but as those may fade others will undoubtedly blossom. And yes, I’m really looking forward to playing SMU.

[bonus] What is your prediction for the score of the Notre Dame - Georgetown game?

When the threes don’t fall for Notre Dame they can be an extremely average team. I don’t expect the Irish to crap the bed like they did against St. John’s, but Georgetown’s perimeter defense isn’t going to make it much easier. If Sims can bottle up Cooley down low, this could be a long night for the Irish. Final score Hoyas 67 – Irish 62.

Thanks again to Andrew, from the Casual Hoya, for stopping by and answering my Five Questions. Stop by Andrew's blog and show him a little Big East Conference love!

And yes, this is my final push. Please swing by my "Biggest Fan of the Big East" profile and vote, and vote often!! Thank you!!



Cheers & GO IRISH!