Georgetown Basketball: Hoyas set up to have “elite” future frontcourts under Patrick Ewing
Georgetown Basketball has a great history when it comes to frontcourt players. With Patrick Ewing’s reputation and early success, the Hoyas are on the right track.
Ever since he arrived on campus, Jessie Govan has been a “big” part of Georgetown Basketball. He received playing time out the gate and was a bright spot for a program who was going through rough times and eventually a coaching change.
When Patrick Ewing arrived back home, Govan appeared to be the biggest beneficiary. As a full-time starter, his season-averages jumped up to 17.9 ppg and 10.0 rpg while making his teammates better as a result. He put up massive numbers against weak non-conference foes, so there wasn’t much hype in the first half of the season. But the facts showed that he really was that good, going for 16.6 ppg and 8.7 rpg in Big East play.
Georgetown did well overall considering the very low preseason expectations, finishing 15-15 (5-13) overall. Ewing, in particular, showed himself well as a first-time head coach when it came to the continuing development of the team’s frontcourt players. Both Govan and Marcus Derrickson were great as juniors, solidifying early on the reputation many felt that Ewing would be great for big men in the college game.
It’s already paid off, with talented NC State transfer Omer Yurtseven transferring to the Hoyas this offseason. His desire to play for the former NBA great was a key factor in his decision in picking Georgetown, the first of many quality bigs fans hope comes to the D.C. area. After sitting out and learning from Ewing for a year, the former Wolfpack big man can fill in for Govan after he graduates.
The news regarding big men could get even better for the Hoyas. They’re part of a final list for class of 2019 five-star center Isaiah Stewart. The Rochester, New York native also has Duke and Indiana in consideration but Ewing’s presence combined with Georgetown’s history could sway him to the Hoyas.
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In order for Stewart and other potential stars to seriously start considering the Hoyas, the program has to get back in contention in the Big East. Last year was a good start but another jump will be needed. The team has a solid nucleus including some solid freshmen perimeter players coming in but it’ll be Govan’s play that could decide the team’s fate. If he plays like an All-Conference player once again, look for other big men to gravitate towards Georgetown in the future on a consistent basis.