For the last week, the words of Michael Scott have been relentlessly stuck in my head.
“Oh my God! Okay, it’s happening! Everybody stay calm, everyone stay calm. STAY F–ING CALM.”
After an offseason that seemingly took 15 years off my life, we’ve officially made it. It’s happening. Georgetown basketball is back.
The Hoyas open the season tonight at 8:30 when they face Coppin State at Capital One Arena. The Eagles are coming off a 82-59 loss to Charlotte just last night, but they will attempt to hand the Hoyas yet another opening night stunner. Before my PTSD starts to set in, let’s get right into what to look out for in the game.
Coppin State is small, very small.
As is usually the case with low major teams like Coppin State, size is not exactly their strong suit. By simply looking at their roster and rotation, the first thing that jumps at you is that they only have three forwards and one player over 6’8 (and he doesn’t even play). So, believe it or not, the Eagles will rely heavily on their backcourt, and more specifically on former Penn State transfer Sam Sessoms who led the team with 24 points in last night’s loss to Charlotte.
Now, Coppin State’s lack of size will show us two things relatively quickly. First, we will see how much of a problem guard depth will be on both sides of the ball. On offense, we more or less know what to expect from Spears and Murray, but on defense the matchup with Sessoms will very quickly show us if the thin backcourt can keep up with decent competition. Although Sessoms will be playing the point, I would not be surprised if we see Brandon Murray on him in an attempt to shut him down. Second, and more importantly, the smaller opposition will show us the coaching staff’s mindset going into the season. On one hand, Patrick Ewing could attempt to make a statement by shoving 25+ minutes of Qudus Wahab post play down the Eagles’ throats. On the other hand, if Ewing wanted to use the weaker opponent to his advantage, he could give less experienced role players like Jordan Riley, D’ante Bass and Bradley Ezewiro more run to hopefully help them develop into more confident rotational pieces. Either way, this game will be a good opportunity for the Hoyas to show off some versatility to start the season.
Edit: Unconfirmed rumors are circulating that Sam Sessoms will not play in today’s game due to injury.
Coppin State is experienced.
To be fair, this one concerns me a little bit. Not that I expect Georgetown to lose or anything, I am just a firm believer that experience is the great equalizer in college basketball. Obviously the Hoyas have their fair share of it too, but basically Coppin State’s entire rotation is made up of juniors and seniors. The Eagles are ranked 328th according to KenPom coming into this game, but they are in the top 83rd percentile of average age. All I will say is that I wouldn’t be surprised if the experience factor makes it a closer game than we originally would have thought.
At the end of the day, this game should not be close. If any of our expectations of this team are going to be true, they cannot let a team like Coppin State hang around. Either way, it should be a good one so get pumped up for the return of the Hoyas.
Predictions
Armen (0-0)
91-66 Georgetown
I don’t even want to try to explain this one. It’s a layup for a team that seems to be really good at missing them. But things have changed, kinda, so I have no reason to believe this game is going to be close. Murray is going to go for 30 and Qudus will have 15 and 15. This is no Dartm… actually let’s not go there.
Best Bet: Hoyas -18.5
Brendan (0-0)
84-65 Georgetown
The Hoyas’ size advantage will simply be too much for Coppin State to handle in this one. Especially with a road back-to-back, the Eagles will run out of gas especially attempting to contend with a premium talent like Brandon Murray. I see a 20 point, 6 assist Georgetown debut for Primo Spears coupled with a dominant performance all around for Murray. Keep an eye out for the Hoya defense as well here, as the Eagles may not be able to get past the length and versatility Akok Akok and Qudus Wahab will bring down low.
Best Bet: Coppin State Under 66
John (0-0)
84-59 Georgetown
We’re so back. Qudus’ glorious return to the Hilltop will be one to remember. As Brendan pointed out, the Hoyas’ size advantage down low will be noticeable quickly. Qudus is going for at least 15 & 10 with a block or two mixed in. I could’ve gone the contrarian route and faded the idea that Georgetown wins big, but if you read our hot takes article, you’d know the various unknown factors on the Hilltop leave me no choice but to be utterly bullish on the Hoyas. Coach Crouch and Nickelberry are going to show us some old school Georgetown defense.
Best Bet: Georgetown 16.5. I don’t care if it’s -12 or -35, I’m taking it, and it’s hitting.
