And we're back! Georgetown kicked off the 2011-2012 season with a comfortable 83-54 win over Savannah State in Washington, DC on Saturday. Senior Henry Sims had the best game of his career, scoring 19 points on 9-11 shooting and added 6 rebounds, 4 blocks and 4 assists. Yes, you read that stat line correctly. Junior Hollis Thompson chipped in 13 points while senior Jason Clark and freshman Otto Porter each had 9 points.
The Hoyas started slowly and sloppily in the first half, but really turned it on at the 19 minute mark in the second half. Savannah State played valiantly, cutting the score to 32-29 before John Thompson III took a quick timeout to right the ship. From there, Georgetown outscored Savannah State 51-29 and never looked back.
More thoughts after The Jump.
It cannot be understated how great Sims played today. He was all over the court, throwing down power dunks, grabbing rebounds, blocking shots, and providing the post presence we hoped he could when he stepped on campus in 2008. If Sims can play with this sort of intensity and efficiency in the Big East, the Hoyas are going to really sneak up on people and be a force in the Big East.
Clark and Thompson did exactly what we'd expect them to do as co-captains. They provided crucial baskets in the first half and beginning of the second half when things got a bit dicey. Markel Starks didn't play as much as we expected this game, and seemed a bit shaky running the point. His running mate Nate Lubick looked solid, dishing a sick behind-the-back pass to Thompson for an and-one lay up.
Yet, it was the vaunted freshman class that really provided a glimpse into the future. Porter is phenomenally skilled, a do-it-all point forward in the mold of Jeff Green. Greg Whittington knocked down smooth threes in the first half and finished with 8 points. Mikael Hopkins and Jabril Trawick bounced all over the court, blocking shots and providing an athletic presence that has been lacking for the past few years.
Today's game was a blast to watch. This year's team is going to definitely have growing pains, but it's going to be a fun ride. UNC Greensboro is next for the young Hoyas on Monday.