With just three days until the team’s season opener against Mount St. Mary’s, Coach Patrick Ewing and a number of players met with the media Sunday morning. The five players made available for questions included James Akinjo, Mac McClung, Jagan Mosely, Jamorko Pickett and Omer Yurtseven. Among the topics touched on by Ewing and the players were expectations for the upcoming year, what the players had focused on improving over the summer, and how the team could improve defensively.
Expectations for 2019-2020
Obviously, the team’s four year absence from the NCAA Tournament was weighing on the minds of all present. “That’s all we think about,” commented McClung in reference to the NCAA Tournament, “we all want to be on that stage.”
Senior guard Jagan Mosely seemed especially motivated to end that streak. “I think the only class that didn’t make the tournament was last year’s class,” said Mosely, “and I don’t want to be added to that.”
Still, the player talked frequently about not getting ahead of themselves, and focusing on the task at hand. Center Omer Yurtseven, a transfer from NC State who sat out last season, emphasized the importance of taking it day by day and not focusing on polls or other expectations.
Coach Ewing did not hide from the heightened expectations, saying that, “We definitely believe that we should play better.” While conceding that the team has more talent this year than in past seasons, Ewing added that, “having more talent doesn’t always equate to wins,” and stressed the importance of playing as a team.
In terms of reaching the NCAA Tournament, Ewing and the players present agreed that the more challenging non-conference schedule would certainly be of benefit. “It’s easier for us to build our tournament resume,” Mosely said, in reference to the team’s more difficult schedule. Yurtseven noted that he is looking forward to the 2K Empire Classic in particular, in which Georgetown will face Texas and then either Duke or Cal. McClung seemed motivated to face off with high-quality competition, stating, “I’d rather play the big guys who are supposed to be the best.” Coach Ewing echoed these sentiments, adding that the team should be better prepared for Big East play.
Offseason Improvements
Many of the players responded to questions about how they had looked to improve from last spring until now. Ewing also talked about improvements both individually, and as a team.
First, Ewing was, for the most part, very positive in his assessment of McClung and Akinjo and their growth over the offseason. “I expect a lot of things out of them,” Ewing said with respect to his two sophomore guards. “To me, they should be two of the best players in the Big East,” he added.
Coach Ewing also praised Akinjo’s work ethic. “He’s always in the gym,” said Ewing, “I have to kick him out.” As for what he’s been working on this summer, Akinjo emphasized decision-making and cutting down on turnovers. He also explained that, “I wanted to get a little bit stronger so I could finish around the rim a little more.”
McClung, somewhat surprisingly, talked about how he has changed up his shooting form with the goal of being a more consistent shooter. “I was working out with someone this summer…and I feel a lot better about it,” McClung said. When asked if this mystery individual was someone outside the program, Mac stammered before saying, “I don’t know if I can answer that question,” drawing laughs from those present.
Is Drew Hanlen’s Mac’s mystery coach?
Both Mac and James also focused on how they’ve matured since last year. Akinjo added that this should help with closing out games, something the team struggled with last season.
Though relatively quiet for most of the session, Jamorko Pickett did briefly discuss the work he’s put in this past summer. He talked about his focus on all areas of his game, including ball handling, shooting and strength. “Just get better,” said Pickett, “That was about it.”
In talking to Jamorko individually about the addition of other combo guards to the roster, it was clear that he has risen to the challenge. “Galen (Alexander), that guy’s tough,” Pickett commented, discussing the challenge of guarding the 6’6” wing at practice everyday. “He helped me get better the most of everyone,” Pickett added.
Ewing was also asked whether Pickett had met his offseason expectations, and he responded that Jamorko’s been doing well. “I’m hoping that he’ll have a better junior year than he did as a sophomore,” Ewing added.
Defensive Changes
After watching almost any Georgetown game last season, it was clear that defense was a cause for concern. All in all, the team allowed over 78 points per game. As such, Ewing and his players were repeatedly asked what improvements the team his made, and will continue to work towards on the defensive end of the floor.
Coach Ewing stressed the importance of both team and individual defense. Although the team has been working on it regularly according to Ewing, he added that, “you won’t know how good you are until you really start playing games.”
Ewing also emphasized that defense is one area where he’s challenged McClung to improve upon from year one to year two. “Not to say that he’s going to be a great defender,” said Ewing, “but at least try a little bit more.” As we saw Ewing call out Jessie Govan in a press conference last year, it is clear that Ewing is not afraid to openly challenge his players to be better.
McClung agreed that defensive improvement is a big focus of his, stating, “you’ve got to play great defense to stay on the floor.”
In terms of newcomers, Ewing stressed that the freshmen and transfers will certainly help with individual defense. Of the three freshmen centers (Qudus Wahab, Tim Ighoefe and Malcolm Wilson), Ewing stated that Wahab is “the most ready to play of the three of them.” The 6’11” Wahab, along with Yurtseven, will solidify the interior defense, while transfer Terrell Allen should be one of the team’s best on-ball defenders alongside Mosely.
While there was a lot of talk around the team’s shortcomings last year and what they’ll need to improve upon, it is clear that there is greater optimism around this year’s team than in years past. Wednesday evening will be our first chance to see whether the team’s potential will equate to success on the court.
