December brings final exams to college campuses…on the court teams are handling their early season progress reports…
Georgetown gets a smattering of A’s… the Hoyas began their slate by grinding to seven double-digit victories…I really like the offensive balance coach John Thompson III’s team is displaying—they could easily be selling out for Hibbert 20-10’s by pounding the post non-stop, but instead choose to work everyone into each possession. While DeJuan Summers and Jonathan Wallace are both contributing in a major way, don’t discount freshman Austin Freeman’s December play as a force off the bench. Brace yourselves, Big East.
Maryland remains a work in progress… off to its first 6-4 start since the 1995-96 season—with four defeats to quality opponents—UCLA, Missouri, VCU and Boston College. Coach Gary Williams feels his team is getting better but needs to “close the deal” offensively—make the open shots and take advantage of their opportunities better. In the first half against BC, the Terps left more than a few points on the table in missed layups and dropped passes. Good move in making Eric Hayes the primary point guard—the sophomore seems to be the better ballhandling fit while Greivis Vasquez will continue to provide more than enough off-the-ball energy.
George Mason has looked great in their win over Kansas State, mystifying in their loss to East Carolina, dominating in their drubbing of Drexel and educational in their defeat at Kent State. Still, this is the early-season class of the Colonial Athletic Association next to Virginia Commonwealth (Tuesday January 29th in Fairfax the only regular season meeting between the two schools). Will Thomas has been dominant inside and has added a jumper to his repertoire, while Folarin Campbell, John Vaughan and Dre Smith are all capable perimeter threats. Coach Jim Larranaga also has a few role-players who maximize their minutes in Chris Fleming and Louis Birdsong.
George Washington had their hopes for the season torpedoed in November when they lost guard Travis King with an injury…minus the team’s offensive leader the Colonials have been uneven—the rollercoaster ride has seen a 32 point loss at Virginia Tech four days after GW routed Maryland-Eastern Shore by 39. Virginia Tech transfer Wynton Witherspoon has been a major bright spot, leading the Colonials with 12 points a game. Games at Binghamton and Longwood loom as chances to climb above .500 before ringing in the new year with Alabama and the A-10.
Meanwhile…American has won four of five with Derrick Mercer looking oh so good while Howard is in the middle of a month on the road slipping to 3-7 (five losses in six games).
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