Big East Basketball: 10 biggest questions for league entering 2023-24 season
By Kyle Craib
Can Ed Cooley revitalize the Hoyas?
Ed Cooley has embarked on a formidable mission this season to bring the Georgetown Hoyas back to their former glory.
After a turbulent final two years under Patrick Ewing’s leadership, Cooley is determined to steer the program back to its prestigious past. The Hoyas endured a nightmarish recent chapter, finishing at the bottom of the Big East with a 7-25 record, including a dismal 2-18 conference record. The team’s statistics tell a grim tale, ranking worst in the conference in field goal percentage, three-point shooting, as well as opponent field goal percentage, three-point percentage, and points allowed per game.
As Cooley begins his first year at the helm, he faces an extensive rebuilding project. The Hoyas have experienced significant roster turnover over the summer, with several departures and a myriad of new faces joining the team. With just one of their top eight scorers from the previous season remaining, Cooley’s challenge is clear: recreate an offensive force that can keep the Hoyas competitive in the challenging Big East conference.
The list of departures includes notable players such as Akok Akok, Primo Spears, Qudus Wahab, and Brandon Murray, who have all taken their talents elsewhere. The Hoyas are also bidding farewell to Jordan Rielly, Denver Anglin, D’Ante Bass, Bradley Ezewiro, Malcolm Wilson, and Bryson Mozone.
While the departures are significant, the Hoyas managed to retain some key players, including guard Jay Heath, towering centre Ryan Mutombo, guard Wayne Bristol Jr., and forward Victor Muresan.
In the quest to rejuvenate the team, several new players have joined the rotation. Jayden Epps, the standout among Georgetown’s incoming transfers, arrives from Illinois after tallying 9.5 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. in his freshman year. Aside from the former Fighting Illini, the remainder of Georgetown’s new arrivals lack that same fanfare. Ismael Massoud, Dontrez Styles, Cam Bacote, Rowan Brumbaugh, Supreme Cook, Donovan Grant, and Jon Kazor, as well as Austin Montgomery, have all come on board to bolster the roster.
Two promising freshmen have also joined the ranks. Drew Fielder, a four-star recruit, has followed Coach Cooley from Providence, bringing size, inside-out versatility, and a relentless work ethic. There’s also Hashem Asadallah, hailing from Kuwait, with experience competing in the FIBA U16 and U18 Asian championships.
The challenges facing Ed Cooley in his debut season at Georgetown are immense. With the departure of seven of the top eight scorers from the previous season, the Hoyas must figure out a way to replicate over 63 points of offence per game. The incoming transfers, though numerous, may lack the experience and pedigree needed to catapult the program to immediate success.
Fans and observers should anticipate a gradual, building process. Cooley will need time to establish a winning culture and groundwork before steering this team to the next level. While there may be early hurdles, the Hoyas under Cooley’s guidance are poised for a transformation, and the path to a revitalised Georgetown basketball program begins now.