Georgetown struggled the last five years to produce solid teams in the Big East Conference. With the addition of Ed Cooley, there is a reason to believe that a bright future for this team is imminent. However, how will the Hoyas do this season? Below is a preview of the Hoyas for the 2023-2024 season.
Georgetown Hoyas Preview 2023-2024
2022-2023 Season Results
The Hoyas did not produce success last season. They were 7-25 overall and 2-18 in the Big East.
Their Strengths (2022-23)
Rebounding
Georgetown did not have a lot of success, but they were a good rebounding team. They ranked fifth in offensive rebounding in the Big East. Averaging 10.8 offensive rebounds a game, this is a necessary strength to build upon for this season. It gives them more opportunities to succeed because second-chance points get you out of tough spots.
Stars
Even though these players transferred from Georgetown, Brandon Murray and Primo Spears brought good offense last season. Spears was an explosive scorer at the guard position. He averaged 16 points per game and was an excellent shot-creator. Even though his efficiencies weren’t the best, Spears brought scoring and an ability to get buckets in the offense. Furthermore, Murray was also another good offensive weapon for the Hoyas. He averaged 13.7 points per game and could make tough shots.
Their Weaknesses (2022-2023)
Overall Scoring
The Georgetown Hoyas struggled immensely on the offensive end. They were ninth in scoring in the Big East and tenth in field goal percentage. Fair to say they struggled to get buckets efficiently and effectively. Even though they had two good scorers, Murray and Spears shot inefficiently. Furthermore, they could not generate easy offense and easy shots. Cooley needs to get this offense back on track.
Defense
While Georgetown’s offense was a struggle last season, their defense was even worse. They were last in the Big East in scoring defense, and they had the worst margin in the conference. Defense is crucial for the Hoyas, as the Big East is an excellent offensive league. Therefore, they must address their defense to make sure they compete well in this conference.
The Notable Returners for the Hoyas
Jay Heath
Jay Heath is one of the notable returners for Georgetown. Heath is a scoring guard who is looking to continue his success from a year ago. Heath averaged 12.3 points a game and shot 37 percent from three. Jay has also played at Boston College, Arizona State, and Georgetown. Therefore, he brings experience playing in some of the top conferences in the country. Heath’s leadership and production are vital for the success of the Hoyas this season.
Wayne Bristol Jr.
Wayne Bristol Jr. is the other Hoya with valuable experience. Bristol Jr. did not have great scoring production, averaging just 3.3 points a game. However, he had a good season at Howard, where he averaged 12.5 points a game. Furthermore, Wayne did shoot 55 percent from the floor, so he is an efficient player when he is on the court. He provides depth off the bench for the Hoyas.
The Mighty Transfers for the Georgetown Hoyas
Jayden Epps
When we think about scoring guards, Jayden Epps comes to mind. An excellent get in the transfer portal from Illinois, Epps can go. Epps’ strengths are his ability to get to the basket and his passing. Jayden shot 59 percent at the rim last season at Illinois. His ability to get to the basket comes from a quick handle and a great change of pace in his moves. More importantly, he is a good passer as well. Epps had a positive assist-to-turnover ratio with the Fighting Illini, vital for helping Georgetown produce some offense. With other transfers who can shoot the ball, Epps’ ability to get to the basket helps build potential success on the offensive end of the court.
Supreme Cook
Supreme Cook is another excellent transfer for the Hoyas. Cook dominated the paint last year at Fairfield, averaging 13.1 points a game and 8.5 rebounds. He improved every year he was at Fairfield. With Qudus Wahab transferring to Penn State, Georgetown needs a paint presence. Supreme provides that paint presence and is very efficient. He may be undersized, but his footwork and patience in the post make him difficult to deal with. Also, he is a terrific offensive rebounder, as he produced a 15 percent offensive rebounding rate with the Stags. Cook brings rebounding, inside scoring, and efficiency. The Hoyas need all three, so Cook is a major factor right away.
Ismael Massoud
Ismael Massoud is one of the exciting transfers for Georgetown. If there is a way to describe Ismael, it is a shooter. Massoud has incredible length and possesses good perimeter skills. Playing for Elite 8 finalist Kansas State, Massoud contributed off the bench for the Wildcats. Massoud’s strength is his shooting. He was in the 95th percentile for spot-up possessions and shot 41.8 percent from three-point range. He fits seamlessly with the Hoyas because they need a forward who can stretch the floor. Massoud’s shooting allows the court to open up and driving lanes to become available.
Dontrez Styles
Dontrez Styles is a transfer from North Carolina. His potential is the thing that jumps off first because he has a lot of physical tools. He only averaged 1.4 points a game for the Tar Heels, but he shows flashes of his athleticism in transition and when attacking closeouts. Styles was in the 78th percentile for points-per-possession in spot-up situations. He is tasked to play out of these situations with Cook, Heath, and Epps all attacking the basket. Therefore, he must improve his 33 percent three-point shooting. Nevertheless, Styles has a great chance to get meaningful minutes and live up to his potential.
Rowan Brumbaugh
Here is an unknown name to many in the college realm, Rowan Brumbaugh. Rowan transferred from Texas. Brumbaugh has not seen much college action but has a great opportunity with the Hoyas. Brumbaugh is an excellent passer who can shoot the ball at a high clip. He performed well this summer in the Kenner League, so people will see that he impacts winning. He is a solid backup for Epps.
The First Years
Drew Fielder
Drew Fielder is a talented four-star prospect coming into D.C. this season. Fielder is a big man and was ranked 128th by 247 Sports. Drew is a stretch big who punishes smaller defenders and likes the mid-post. He has a lot of versatility, giving him the potential to play both big spots with the Hoyas. Drew is also very mobile, allowing him to run the floor quickly and finish athletically in traffic. Lastly, he can handle the ball. His skill will turn him into a successful stretch five or a power forward.
Drew McKenna
Drew McKenna is another good prospect coming into the nation’s capital. McKenna is athletic and very physical. Cooley loves physical and athletic forwards with versatility. McKenna dominates the paint and plays from the perimeter; he is a mismatch for many power forwards that he went against. More importantly, he reclassified up to commit to Georgetown. McKenna will be another piece to help the Georgetown Hoyas this season.
Projected Starting Five for the Georgetown Hoyas
PG-Epps
SG- Heath
SF- Styles
PF- Massoud
C- Cook
