The Big East continues to excite with another team looking to showcase new success this season: the Georgetown Hoyas. Ed Cooley is entering his first season as head coach in Washington, D.C. Based on his success at Providence, the Hoyas believe their new era of success begins now. Here is the reasoning behind their eighth-place Big East Preseason ranking.
Big East Rankings: #8 Georgetown Hoyas
Projected Starting Five
PG- Jayden Epps
SG- Jay Heath
SF- Dontrez Styles
PF- Ismael Massoud
C- Supreme Cook
Where the Hoyas Found Success
Rebounding
Georgetown was a solid rebounding team in 2022-23. The Hoyas ranked seventh in averaged rebounds in the Big East. Furthermore, they averaged 10.8 offensive rebounds a game. Therefore, Georgetown has a skill that translates to this upcoming season. In a conference with talented big men and size, the Hoyas’ rebounding needs to be at a high level.
The Transfer Portal
The addition of Cooley brought interest from talented players. Players like Cook, Epps, and Massoud are a few of the notable names who moved to Washington to play for the Hoyas. Although Georgetown struggled to score points last season, their transfers bring offense and potential. Furthermore, their production is essential for the Hoyas to make strides.
Why Do They rank eighth?
Unproven
While the Hoyas brought in good transfers, they are unproven as a team. The other teams in the Big East that rank higher have shown success as a roster. Furthermore, Cooley is new and has a lot of expectations. As a result, Georgetown is a team that has yet to establish success as a group.
More importantly, Styles and Massoud have scored few points during their collegiate careers. At UNC, Styles averaged 1.4 points a game, and Massoud averaged a little under six points at Kansas State. Furthermore, they only had a small starting role last season at their previous programs. Therefore, there are questions surrounding both players. Moreover, they are projected to have greater roles for the Hoyas, so they have much to prove this season. The other teams ahead have more proven returners and transfers than the Hoyas do not have now.
Last Word on the Georgetown Hoyas
Georgetown is a team that has a chance to make some noise in the Big East. Cooley brings in expectations, and the Hoyas expect to win sooner rather than later. The Hoyas did make the NCAA Tournament in 2021, but that was a magical run. Georgetown has found little success since that run and has a lot to prove.
However, they are not expected to be a contender in the Big East because of the high level of talent in the conference. The Big East has a potential of six or seven teams that could be in the Big Dance, so Georgetown has an uphill climb ahead of them this season.
While they may be unproven, they possess talent and coaching that makes them dangerous. Let’s see if the Hoyas make strides this year in Ed Cooley’s first season.
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