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Big East Basketball Power Rankings: Creighton, Georgetown emerging

By Lukas Harkins

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 21: Mac McClung #2 of the Georgetown Hoyas reacts after a three pointer during the first half of the game against the Texas Longhorns at Madison Square Garden on November 21, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 21: Mac McClung #2 of the Georgetown Hoyas reacts after a three pointer during the first half of the game against the Texas Longhorns at Madison Square Garden on November 21, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – FEBRUARY 03: McClung of the Hoyas attempts. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – FEBRUARY 03: McClung of the Hoyas attempts. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

. . Georgetown Hoyas. 4. player. 473.

Georgetown really struggled in the opening weeks of the season but is starting to find a rhythm. After the departures of several players, the Hoyas were expected to take another step back but have rather finally begun to live up to their high preseason expectations. Over the past two weeks, head coach Patrick Ewing’s squad has won four consecutive games, three of them over KenPom top-100 opponents. The team now holds a respectable 8-3 record with two of those defeats coming to teams ranked in the AP Top 25.

The biggest reason for Georgetown’s recent success has been the emergence of Mac McClung. The sophomore guard was already a heralded performer for his highlight-reel dunks and solid all-around scoring, but he is starting to take the nation by storm with his play. During this current four-game winning streak, McClung has averaged 21.5 points per game on .475/.444/.941 shooting. He has been efficient and dominant en route to being named Big East Player of the Week on back-to-back occasions.

Additionally, it is also important to note the play of Omer Yurtseven and Terrell Allen. Starting with the former, Yurtseven was widely expected to be Jessie Govan’s replacement this season and he has answered the call. The 7-foot-2 NC State transfer is leading the Hoyas with averages of 17.1 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game this season.

Allen, on the other hand, has only recently emerged as a crucial piece of the puzzle. He has started each of the past four games since James Akinjo’s decision to transfer and has excelled as a playmaker. The UCF transfer is dishing out 7.3 assists to just 1.5 turnovers per game as a starter during this stretch.

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