FanPost

Games That Matter -- Georgetown v. Kansas

Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Games That Matter - December 10, 2014 (Georgetown v. Kansas Preview)

Rankings:


ESPN / USA Today: N/A
AP: N/A
RPI: 64

A Series of Random Thoughts as we Approach Mid-December

  • Post-Mortem on the Bahamas: I wasn't thrilled that we lost two of the three games. While it was nice to defeat a struggling Florida team (for the first time in several years), it was a bit of a downer to lose to Wisconsin and Butler. I am not impressed by the "we put up a good fight against Wisconsin" argument. We lost. And more importantly, we lost to a team that we should have beaten. Turnovers and fouls killed us. Wisconsin didn't beat us. We beat ourselves. And that Butler game. Although Butler may be better than people originally expected, those bulldogs are not as talented or as deep as our bulldogs. By committing 14 turnovers and missing nine free throws, we handed that game over to an inferior team. I know we have a lot of freshmen and I know we will improve, and I know I should be happy that Ike played like the stud we all knew he could be, but that game still leaves a sour taste in my mouth. We're better than Butler, and I look forward to beating them at least twice this season.
  • More complaining about AXS TV: One last gripe about AXS TV. Why were the consolation games played after the games in the winners' bracket? It made no sense that we had to play on Thursday and Friday afternoons. None. Why were Carolina and UCLA playing after us? Why was the championship game played before the consolation games? And I'm all for playing three games in three days. But can we at least have more than 14 hours in between games?
  • The Good News about that Butler Game: I realize this is almost two weeks after the fact, but hello Isaac Copeland. So good to see you. If anyone predicted that Ike would be our leading scorer (16 points) against Butler, you're a liar and a thief. I loved how comfortable Copeland looked. He was always in rhythm, he hit an equal number of shots from inside and outside the paint, and most importantly, he just looked like he belonged. Welcome to the rotation, young fella.
  • The Half-Court Offense: Through our first six games, our half-court offense was kind of ugly. Very few backdoor passes, inconsistent point guard play, too many contested shots, and an over-reliance on transition points. Given how underdeveloped our offense has looked, Wisconsin and Butler were basically two of the most dangerous opponents we could have faced. Neither one of those teams makes mistakes. They rarely turn the ball over (although, to be fair, the Badgers committed 14 turnovers against us), they are patient on offense, and they make their free throws. Although our defensive sets were fairly effective, and we limited the output of Frank Kaminsky and Roosevelt Jones, we couldn't generate any points off of turnovers. Unlike the first four games of the season, we were unable to push the tempo and score transition baskets against Wisconsin and Butler. When looked through this lens, it's amazing we kept those two games so close. Then again, I think we are better than those two teams, so think about what would've happened if we had had just a little more semblance of a half-court offense, or perhaps a few transition baskets.. We're basically a handful of possessions away from being undefeated and a top ten squad.
  • The Half-Court Offense, Part Deux: We have a pretty darn good team, and we're only going to improve. After a week of rest and practice, our half-court sets looked a little more polished earlier this week against Towson. Joshua Smith looked good in the high post, and I liked our patience. We even hit a bunch of threes. In the first six games, we had a deep team without a good half-court offense. If we have a deep team with a good half-court offense, we'll have a squad that can compete with any team in the country. For that reason, despite the two losses in the Bahamas, my expectations for this season jumped considerably. At the end of the day, I guess I was just bitter about the losses because Final Four teams shouldn't lose to Butler. And yes, we can be a Final Four team this season. If the 2006-07 Hoyas can lose to Old Dominion on a cold night at McDonough, then we can lose to Butler at the Atlantis and still do the damn thing.
  • The Press: Our team is really deep. This may be the deepest JTIII-coached team since the 2007-08 Hoyas (the team that lost to Davidson). We might actually be deeper. I think this year's Hoyas are probably as deep as the 2000-01 team (the Esherick-led team that beat Arkansas and lost to Maryland in the Sweet Sixteen). Unlike last season, our games won't be impossibly difficult to win if one of our guys picks up two quick fouls in the first five minutes of a game. If Jabril gets whistled, it's alright; we have plenty of reserves. Given our deficiencies in the half-court offense, and our inability to score transition baskets against the Badgers and Bulldogs, I really wish we had pressed against those teams. Wisconsin's two best guards were in foul trouble; our press could have made a difference. Butler's backcourt is less athletic than ours; our press could have worn them down. I'm glad JTIII started using the press early and often against Towson. I just hope he uses it a bit more against some of the better teams in the country.
  • That Soccer Game: For those of you who missed that epic and terrible Elite Eight battle between Georgetown and Virginia last Saturday, you should feel relieved - it was both epic and terrible. Sitting on a one goal lead with just 52 seconds until glory, your Hoyas allowed a game-tying goal and then lost in heartbreaking fashion on the fifth and final penalty kick (we hit the post). It was sad and devastating and unfortunate, and both players and fans were covered in rain and tears. While it was a shame that we lost, I just wanted to point out that the atmosphere was electric; it was refreshing to see so much support for a non-basketball sport. L.J. Peak was there too. As for Georgetown soccer, we'll be back to the Final Four soon enough; it's not a question of if, but when. And to the poor kid who missed the last PK, I say keep your head up. It could've happened to anyone. We still love you, even though I can't recall your name. (Side Note: Soccer games decided on penalty kicks are absurd. We dominated possession and were in the driver's seat for most of the game. For it to end on PKs, after neither goalie saved a shot, was kind of ridiculous. This needs to change.)
  • That Soccer Game, Part Deux: Despite the pouring rain and miserable weather conditions, the proud members of the Georgetown concession stand were pumping out tasty $3 hot dogs, cups of hot chocolate, and lots of other goodies. Meanwhile, a small group of AMERICAN HEROES was handing out FREE beer, hot dogs, hamburgers, bagels and snacks at the alumni soccer tent. It was a glorious display of generosity and happiness. I ate multiple hot dogs, an everything bagel and some sugary funnel cake (which a kid accidentally left unattended in the tent). Once the game ended, I moseyed over to the Leavey Center to make sense of my waterlogged layers of clothing. In the process of stripping, squeezing and drying, I left my phone somewhere. Unlike the security staff at the Verizon Center (which NEVER FOUND MY VERY EXPENSIVE JACK SPADE BAG), a fine young Good Samaritan located my phone and returned it to me post haste. It was easy for him to spot me because I was wearing a disgustingly drenched T-shirt and had a panicked look on my face. Thank you, kind Georgetown student.
  • That Soccer Game, Part 33 1/3: I would be remiss if I didn't mention the hidden gem that we discovered after the soccer game. Remember that old and grimy New South cafeteria, full of memories and mashed potatoes? It's gone. In its place is something called the Healy Family Student Center, which is nothing short of amazing. Modern décor, spacious lounges, music study rooms (seriously, there was some girl playing the piano in one of the rooms), and fireplaces and study areas and an overall serene and pleasant environment. In other words, not Lauinger Library. In the middle of this oasis was a nice little surprise - some place called the Bulldog Tavern. There's a bar in the middle of this family center / study lounge! It's only been open for three weeks. They have beer and big televisions and everything. I had a beer, a cup of chicken noodle soup (which was delicious) and hot soft pretzels (which were soggy and salty) with mustard. The bartender was friendly. The atmosphere was very chill. I shall return.
  • Double Figures: Against Towson, we had five players score in double figures. When was the last time we had five players score in double figures? I have no idea, and I don't feel like looking it up. But it's probably been a couple of years.
  • The Block/Charge Call: There were some atrocious calls in that Butler game on both sides. Far too many whistles, but the most controversial calls related to the ever-debatable block/charge whistles. I'm all for referees using the semicircle under the basket as a guide to determine whether a secondary defender is too far under the basket to take a charge. But it seems that refs are too often using that semicircle as a substitute for making decisions. To draw a charge, regardless of the semicircle, a defender still needs to have his feet set and be in position. Sometimes I just wish the refs would look at the players and not the location of a circle on the court.
  • So Many Different MVPs: The best thing about the first seven games? We haven't relied on one or two guys to step up. I'd say we have had a different MVP or clutch performer in each of our first seven games. I can't remember this sort of depth in any other JTIII-coached season. Just look at these storylines:

Game 1: The emergence of L.J Peak (23 points on 9 of 9 shooting)

Game 2: Aaron Bowen saves the day (13 points, 5 steals in 18 minutes)

Game 3: Joshua Smith is a grown ass man (22 points, 11 rebounds)

Game 4: So, Paul White can actually play? (10 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals)

Game 5: Welcome back, DSR. Guess your point guard duties aren't limiting your production anymore. (29 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists)

Game 6: Holy crap, Isaac Copeland is ready to play too? (16 points, 4 rebounds)

Game 7: Tyler Adams dazzles the crowd with his sharp suit and sweet pre-game dance moves. (This isn't even a joke. Tyler looked good.)

(But really, Game 7 was all about balance. It was the first time we could actually see all of the pieces coming together.)

  • The College Football Selection Committee: The suspense was killing me. The drama was eating me up for weeks. Would the Committee go with Baylor, TCU or Ohio State? I was up all night debating the possibilities. Until I remembered that this is all a bunch of malarkey. It's both amusing and sad that the FBS gods of the world have tried to model this new college football playoff committee thing off of the college basketball selection show. Except it's just not the same...at all. Why even have this committee release rankings prior to the final weekend? Is it just to create controversy and make headlines? And did anyone honestly think that Ohio State was going to get left out? Why would an organization and a TV network that has made clear that the almighty dollar trumps all other considerations leave out the university that has one of the largest fan bases and generates kajillions of dollars? Did anyone actually think small schools in Waco and Dallas even had a chance? That would be silly. Give me Alabama and Ohio State because Saban and Urban and MONEY, OMIGOD SO MUCH MONEY! College football is the worst.
  • In related news, the story that just didn't seem to be as important as the implications of the Big 12 having co-champs: UAB shut down its football program because it doesn't have the TV contract to support the ever-spiraling costs of maintaining the program. And then, after gaining eligibility for one final bowl game in the school's history, UAB learned that it wouldn't even be invited to a bowl game. Because why would we invite a couple of thousand fans from Birmingham to the [INSERT RIDICULOUS SPONSOR] bowl game, when we can invite a school that has more fans and which will generate more money? The UAB shutdown of the football program will be the first of many shutdowns. Just wait and see.
  • Fox Sports 1: I can't wait for conference play to begin. A few days ago, Kevin O'Neill was doing the halftime show during the Providence-Brown game. When asked what he would do if he was in Ed Cooley's shoes at halftime, he said: "I would dismember them." Whether or not O'Neill understood what he was saying, I found his candor in the post-Mike Rice era refreshing. I can't wait for more of these guys to say silly things. P.S. Thank you, Providence, for losing to a team as crappy as Brown. Step it up, Big East brethren!
  • Study Daze: Note to any players who happen to read this garbage: please study for your damn finals. It seems like the last four years have produced at least one academic suspension per season. I'm getting tired of that. Go to class, study for exams, and play for this team during conference play. I'm looking at you, Joshua. And all of you freshmen too.
  • Moses Sighting: I saw Moses Ayegba on TV the other night. He's a fifth-year senior playing for Nebraska. He changed his last name back to Abraham. I don't get it. He flip-flops more names than Chad Johnson. But whatever. I will always remember him for his fantastic British accent and his fantastic rebounding and defense in our last game at the Carrier Dome during Big East play.

Preview of Wednesday's Game - Georgetown v. Kansas (7pm)

Your Georgetown University Fighting Bulldogs are back in action on Wednesday evening for what could be a season-defining game against the Kansas Jayhawks. Winners of ten consecutive regular season Big 12 titles, the Jayhawks have been just about the most consistent team in the country over the last decade. Even after losing Andrew Wiggins and Joel Embiid from a stacked freshmen class, they're still contending for a Final Four this season. Known for gritty defense, exceptional offensive rebounding, and a variation of the hi-low offense, Kansas is very, very good. Putting aside an embarrassing loss to Kentucky, Kansas has cruised through its schedule, with victories over Rhode Island, Tennessee, Michigan State and Florida. In its last game, after trailing the Gators by double digits in the second half, Kansas mounted a massive comeback to win impressively.

This year's Kansas team includes the well-dressed Perry Ellis and a handful of athletic freshmen and sophomores. Ellis, a 6'-8'' junior, is the Jayhawks' leading scorer (14.6 ppg) and rebounder (6.7 rpg). Ellis is one of the smoothest, most versatile players in the country. He defends well, he's comfortable scoring inside or hitting mid-range jumpers, and he's the closest thing Kansas has to an offensive hub. It feels like he's been playing in Lawrence for twelve years.

Kansas' two leading guards are a pair of sophomores: Frank Mason III (10.1 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 3.4 apg) and Wayne Selden (9.6 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 3.3 apg). Mason, at 5'-11'', is very quick and doesn't have any trouble getting into the lane. He leads the team with nine steals. He often forces his shot and isn't as dangerous when shooting from beyond the arc. Selden, at 6'-5'', is arguably the Jayhawks' most athletic player. He is a very good defender and, along with Mason, is one of Kansas' best distributors; but he's not a very good shooter (34% from the floor, 64% from the line). Like Mason, he is much better when he's driving to the basket; if forced to take perimeter shots, he struggles (29% on three-point field goals).

The Jayhawks' best freshman in the frontcourt is 6'-8'' Cliff Alexander (10.0 ppg, 6.6 rpg), a guy who is tough to stop on the offensive glass. Like Ellis, he rebounds well and knows how to get to the free throw line. Someone will have to keep a body on him at all times. Another key freshman to watch is 6'-8'' Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk (5.6 ppg, 2.7 rpg), a standout Ukrainian player who basically just stands outside and shoots threes (he leads the team with 28 attempts). The obvious storyline here is whether Comrade Hopkins can shut down this Kiev bomber's aerial attack. Mikael versus Mykhailiuk. Once they were brothers, now they are sworn enemies. The battle for Crimea continues.

Keys to the Game:

1. Force Perimeter Shots: The Jayhawks are at their best when they run up and down the court, score in transition and feed the ball inside to Ellis and Alexander. Our guards need to keep Selden and Mason out of the lane and make them do their damage from beyond the arc. The more jump shots we force, the more likely we are to win.

2. Keep Kansas off the Line: As a team, Kansas shoots 72% from the line. Ellis and Alexander, in particular, are very effective at drawing contact and getting to the line. Ellis leads Kansas with 51 free throw attempts, and he connects on 74.5% of his foul shots. Our bigs need to be smart and not take the bait on pump fakes. If we shoot more free throws than Kansas, it will be a very good sign.

3. Smooth v. Smooth: Perry Ellis is one of the smoothest players in the country. And Paul White is pretty smooth himself. I don't think it's a stretch to say that White is a poor man's Perry Ellis, and that we hope White will eventually turn into the player that Ellis has become. Both guys are versatile forwards; at this stage, Ellis is a better passer and can create his shot a bit more often, but White may have a little more touch from the perimeter. I love the way these guys play and I can't wait to see how each performs.

4. The Big Fella: Given the size and athleticism of Kansas' bigs, Joshua Smith will have a real challenge on his hands. Against Towson, Smith had one of his best games of the year, not only because he demanded the ball down low and exerted his girth, but also because he passed out of double teams and facilitated our half-court offense more than he has in the past. Against Kansas, it won't be as easy for him to push people around. There's a decent chance that he will find it hard to score under the basket, struggle to rebound the ball and pick up two quick fouls. If that happens, we'll be in trouble. But if he can stay on the court and make the Jayhawks see how monumental he has become, I like our chances.

It's the first big home game of the season and, regrettably, it's also probably the most highly anticipated home game of the season (welcome to conference realignment). These are the games that will determine the success of this year's Hoyas. The first month has been an interesting one. We've seen this team's depth and our ability to compete with some of the better teams in the country. But we've also seen some fairly big flaws. Playing Kansas will give us yet another barometer in which to gauge how far we've come and how much farther we need to go.

The Jayhawks more or less ran us out of their building last year. It's time for us to exact a little revenge. We need a statement win, and we need one now. Let's set the tone early and remind this young Jayhawks squad that they're not in Kansas anymore. Time to get nasty.

Let's go Hoyas. Beat Kansas.

Stay Casual, my friends.