Josh LeBlanc: The Hoya Menace

WASHINGTON — Although he wasn’t included in the starting lineup alongside more heralded classmates in Mac McClung and James Akinjo, Josh LeBlanc had one of the more impressive Georgetown debuts in quite some time.

LeBlanc, who came in for Jessie Govan as the Hoyas first sub around the 12 minute mark, wasted no time in getting involved in the action by hauling down a defensive rebound after just 15 seconds.

It was a sign of more things to come.

LeBlanc finished the game with 11 points and 11 rebounds in 23 minutes, recording the first double-double by a Georgetown freshman since Marcus Derrickson had two during the the 2015-16 season.

“That’s what he does,” coach Patrick Ewing said when asked to comment on LeBlanc’s double-double. “That’s one of the reasons why I recruited him.”

Ewing, who doesn’t hand out compliments lightly, continued with his high praise of the Baton Rouge native.

“His energy, his effort, he’s going to be a menace. He’s going to be on the glass. He’s going to be getting steals. He’s going to be doing all the energy things. All of things that sometimes you don’t see on the stat sheet. He’s going to help you to win.”

Well, actually, much of what LeBlanc did in Georgetown’s opening season victory over UMES did, in fact, end up on the stat sheet. LeBlanc matched McClung with a team high two steals and equaled Govan with two blocks.

In going 4 for 4 from the field, LeBlanc seemed to be at the right place at the right time as he was able to score on two of his three offensive rebounds.

While LeBlanc won’t be available for interviews until January, fifth-year senior Trey Mourning was able to provide some analysis on one of his new teammates.

“He was great,” said Mourning. “He was absolutely fantastic. 11 and 11 off the bench, he’s special. He can definitely do a lot to help us out this season. It will be great to play with him.”

On Saturday against Central Connecticut, LeBlanc will attempt to become the first freshman since Greg Monroe to have back-to-back double-doubles.

FROSH DOUBLE-DOUBLES SINCE 2000

Michael Sweetney 6 (00-01)

Jeff Green 5 (04-05)

Greg Monroe 4 (08-09)

Otto Porter 3 (11-12)

Roy Hibbert 2 (04-05)

Marcus Derrickson 2 (15-16)

DaJuan Summers 1 (06-07)

Josh LeBlanc 1 (18-19) *active