Source: Josh Smith Ready to Rock for Hoyas

Students begin to filter back to the Hilltop next week, and among them will be senior center Josh Smith.  Smith, whose troubled tenure at Georgetown (and everywhere, really) was magnified by a conspicuous absence at Kenner League this summer, is reportedly in good shape and, per a source, fully expected to be on campus.

Though there had been some doubt as to whether Smith would return, his now expected presence in the middle for the Hoyas this season will be a huge plus, allowing senior Mikael Hopkins to shift to his more natural power forward position and opening up a number of starting lineup options.  With Jabril Trawick and D'Vauntes-Smith Rivera seemingly locked in as the starting backcourt, JT3 now has the choice to plug in returning senior Aaron Bowen, freshman Isaac Copeland, or go small with freshman L.J. Peak.

Georgetown's depth, a question mark in recent years due to a wave of suspensions, injuries and a few recruiting misses, is now suddenly one of its strengths.  Smith, Hopkins, Copeland, Trawick, DSR, Bowen, Peak, Paul White, Reggie Cameron and Tre Campbell will all see solid minutes this season, and Bradley Hayes and Trey Mourning should provide spot minutes as well.  If Smith can play to the form we expect him to and have seen glimpses of in his short time as a Hoya, watch out Big East.

I'm excited.  Perhaps a bit too excited for the middle of August, but hey, it's the damn middle of August and I've got nothing better to think about.