GROWTH: Georgetown Demonstrates Progress Ahead of Big WVU Test

Reports indicate some lessons have been learned

Your Georgetown Hoyas are coming off a five-game win streak and have beaten the last three teams by an average of 27 points!

Malik Mack – A-

Wagner: 16pts, 4-10 40% FG, 2-3 66% 3PT, 6-8 FT, 3 REB, 2 AST, 1 TOV, 29 MIN

Albany: 16pts, 6-8 75% FG, 3-4 75% 3PT, 1-1 FT, 3 REB, 3 AST, 2 TOV, 25 MIN

UMBC: 13pts, 6-12 50% FG, 1-3 33% 3PT, 0-0 FT, 5 REB, 5 AST, 0 TOV, 31 MIN

Steady. I thought Malik showed an offensive consistency we have not seen from the PG position in a while. He has a great feel for the game and knows when to assert himself and when to get others involved. He shot lights out against Albany, including going 3-4 from three, which this team needs. He’s up to 40% from three on four attempts per game. That’s really good and would go a long way to solidifying an area of weakness for the team so far this year. I continue to be impressed by his ability to get to the rim and finish. He was great getting to the rim against UMBC. If he can continue this level of play against West Virginia, it will be an A+. He’s doing everything you need from a starting guard, including competing on defense, despite his limitations there. EvanMiya has his assists and playmaking (a combo stat) in the 97th percentile in the country. I think that tracks with what we’ve seen from him over the last week. The only question now is whether he can do it against better competition.

Jayden Epps – B-

Wagner: 3pts, 1-5 20% FG, 1-4 25% 3PT, 2 REB, 2 AST, 3 STL, 0 TOV, 29 MIN

Albany: 8pts, 4-7 57% FG, 0-2 3PT, 0-0 FT, 0 REB, 4 AST, 4 STL, 4 TOV, 30 MIN

UMBC: 16pts, 7-15 46% FG, 2-7 28% 3PT, 0-2 FT, 1 REB, 4 AST, 3 STL, 1 BLK, 3 TOV, 36 MIN

It was a bit of a weird week for Jayden. He continues to be a Rorschach test for how you see the team. Let’s start with the undeniably positive part of his game this past week – his defense. He’s not a great defender and still has limitations, but his effort and intensity on defense this week were outstanding. I particularly noticed him in transition defense, but I think his overall approach served as a great barometer for the rest of the team. He was fighting around screens and working hard to stay in front of ball handlers. Georgetown didn’t really need a ton from him offensively against the three opponents, but he was definitely inconsistent. Particularly against Albany and UMBC, there were too many possessions where he dribbled the air out of the ball only to force up a contested, late-clock shot or turn the ball over. You can tell when the offense is rolling when Jayden gets more catch-and-shoot looks. Against UMBC, he had five catch-and-shoot attempts but only averaged .600 points per shot. Against Albany, he only had one attempt (that he didn’t make), and against Wagner, he had 2 for 1.500 PPS. That’s not consistent enough for me, and this continues to be the measure of his offensive game. His overall catch-and-shoot usage is up from last year, 44% of his shots vs. 62% of his shots, and he’s averaging 1.25 points per shot vs. 1.13 last year. That’s definitely an improvement, but it’s still too inconsistent game to game.

Micah Peavy – A

Wagner: 15pts, 4-9 44% FG, 3-5 60% 3PT, 4-7 FT, 3 REB, 3 AST, 5 STL, 1 BLK, 3 TOV, 34 MIN

Albany: 24pts, 9-14 64% FG, 3-6 50% 3PT, 3-3 FT, 4 REB, 8 AST, 4 STL, 3 BLK, 3 TOV, 30 MIN

UMBC: 7pts, 3-11 27% FG, 0-3 3PT, 1-2 FT, 5 REB, 5 AST, 4 STL, 2 TOV, 34 MIN

Micah was in a different class this past week. He was dominant on both ends. His defense is incredible. He averaged 4.5 steals per game. The primary reason why Georgetown currently sits 4th in the country in steal percentage. Let me say that again: Georgetown is 4th in the NATION in steal percentage. Sure, it came against weaker competition, but honestly, who cares? His activity and physicality are so impressive. He looked like he was playing a different sport at times. I have no idea if he can do enough offensively to justify a real look at the next level, but his profile as a defender is exactly what gets him a shot and something more players should embody. If he keeps up this defensive play against better competition, he will get a look. His offensive game was smooth and comfortable. He continues to be great in the midrange, and Georgetown has gone to him in the post when they need a bucket, which is something they didn’t do against ND. He didn’t shoot the ball well against UMBC but was lights out against Wagner and Albany.

Drew Fielder – B+

Wagner: 8pts, 4-4 100% FG, 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT, 4 REB, 2 AST, 1 STL, 0 TOV, 23 MIN

Albany: 10pts, 3-6 50% FG, 1-2 50% 3PT, 3-3 FT 4 REB, 3 AST, 1 TOV, 19 MIN

UMBC: 8pts, 3-9 33% FG, 0-3 3PT, 2-2 FT, 9 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL, 1 TOV, 27 MIN

I thought we saw why Drew is in that starting role this past week. He gives the starters exactly what they need – energy, effort, rebounding and connectivity. Much of what he contributes doesn’t necessarily show up on the stat sheet, but he is a connector on offense and a vocal leader on defense. His rebounding has been essential. He’s at 15.2% total rebounding percentage. That’s good enough for the top five in the BE. His 15.4% offensive rebound rate would be the best in the BE. He’s not currently listed as a leader in those categories because of totals, I think. Bottom line – this team needs him to rebound and he’s been great on both ends. He made a three against Albany that looked like shots we saw him knock down last season. Otherwise, his shooting has not been there. That’s the next piece of his game that needs to take a step. He was a 40% three-point shooter on 1.5 attempts per game last year. His attempts have been identical, but his percentage is down to 16%. He’s a better shooter than that. And this team needs him to be.

Thomas Sorber – A

Wagner: 9pts, 4-6 66% FG, 1-2 3PT, 0-0 FT, 7 REB, 6 AST, 2 STL, 3 BLK, 2 TOV, 28 MIN

Albany: 14pts, 6-9 66% FG, 1-2 3PT, 1-1 FT, 13 REB, 4 AST, 2 STL, 4 TOV, 32 MIN

UMBC: 23pts, 6-7 85% FG, 0-0 3PT, 11-12 FT, 8 REB, 0 AST, 2 STL, 3 BLK, 1 TOV, 25 MIN

I don’t know, you guys, Thomas Sorber might just be really good. He’s averaging just under 16 and 9 for the year. He was great again this past week. He dominated offensively and was a beast on the defensive end at times. Two games with three blocks and three games with two steals. We could break down his games, but I’d rather just give you a sense of where he is nationally. He is just outside of the top 100 in the country in offensive rating, according to KenPom. However, if you sort that by Usage – so, you are controlling for the opportunities a player is getting, he’s 8th in the country. Among players with at least 24% usage, his offensive rating is 8th in the nation and the top Freshman. There is no Freshman in the country with a better offensive rating than him. However, there are Freshmen with higher usage. Those are the big names you’ve heard about. The offensive studs – Derik Queen at Maryland has a 129 ORtg on 28% usage, and Asa Newell at Georgia has 128 on 24.6% usage. How about the one-and-dones projected to go at the top of the draft? Cooper Flagg has a 104 rating on 29% usage, and Dylan Harper has a 122 rating on 31% usage. We need to make all the necessary caveats about competition, and it is early in the year, but the fact is Sorber is one of the best Freshmen in the country in terms of production. His next two matchups will tell us a lot about where he is. WVU will roll out an undersized but highly touted sophomore at the C position in Amani Hansberry (a transfer from that one BS school). Followed by a tough matchup against a big body, high-skill, very old Eddie Lampkin. If he maintains his offensive production over the next week, watch out. I am gonna get loud.

Jordan Burks – A

Wagner: 10pts, 4-5 80% FG, 0-0 3PT, 2-2 FT, 3 REB, 0 AST, 1 STL, 2 TOV, 15 MIN

Albany: 11pts, 5-6 83% FG, 1-2 3PT, 0-0 FT, 2 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL, 1 TOV, 20 MIN

UMBC: 9pts, 4-5 80% FG, 0-0 3PT, 1-2 FT, 4 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL, 1 TOV, 19 MIN

I thought Jordan was great this past week. He continues to be a solid defender, but he showed some offensive pop we had not seen yet. The shooting numbers speak for themselves, but it wasn’t all dunks and layups. He had a couple of nice mid-range finishes. Overall, he just looked more comfortable. He’s definitely not a shooter, but his one-of-two from three against Albany was a nice add.

Julius Halaifonua – INC

Wagner: 0pts, 0-3 FG, 0-2 3PT, 1 REB 1 BLK, 0 TOV, 13 MIN

Tough week for Julius as it was announced that he suffered a fractured ankle in practice and underwent surgery. You’d have to think that is probably it for him this year. We wish him the best and a speedy recovery. We’ll look forward to seeing him when he returns.

https://x.com/GeorgetownHoops/status/1863712329096941937

Caleb Williams – A-

Wagner: 0pts, 2 MIN

Albany: 9pts, 4-6 66% FG, 0-0 3PT, 1-1 FT, 3 REB, 3 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TOV, 12 MIN

UMBC: 10pts, 4-5 80% FG, 0-1 3PT, 2-2 FT, 3 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL, 0 TOV, 12 MIN

Caleb was essentially out of the rotation against Wagner but responded with the best two-game stretch of his young collegiate career. As Cooley has shortened the rotation, it’s encouraging that the two freshmen have remained firmly in, and Williams has rewarded Cooley’s faith. I love watching this kid play. He does all of the little things, and it was cool to see him get rewarded on the offensive end. He hit a couple of really nice mid-range jumpers and floaters that show his offensive upside. There will be more ups and downs this year, but he looks this comfortable, and this quick is a great sign. His positioning and overall basketball IQ continue to stand out to me. He is in the right spot in help defense more often than not, and he knows what he’s supposed to do on offense. He’s a welcome throwback to the type of college player we used to get very excited about. An all-around player with an upside that you were excited to see grow over time. I am all in.

Kayvaun Mulready – C

Wagner: 4pts, 1-4 25% FG, 0-3 3PT, 2-2 FT, 2 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL, 1 TOV, 13 MIN

Albany: 2pts, 1-3 33% FG, 0-2 3PT, 0 TOV, 15 MIN

UMBC: 0pts, 1 STL, 1 TOV, 7 MIN

I like Kayvaun’s game. I think he will turn into a really solid and potentially great player if he develops his shot. His offense right now has been taking (and missing) threes. He’s shown the ability to get to the rim at times, and I’d like to see him work more inside out. His misses from three are frustrating, but they aren’t bad shots. He’s wide open. I like that he’s taking wide-open shots, and I wonder if there is a concerted effort to have him shoot, as this team really needs help from three. It has not looked good yet, and, unfortunately, we don’t yet know if he is a shooter or not. Right now, he’s not. I’m fine with him continuing to take those open shots, for now, as long as he continues to defend the way he has.

Offense – B Currently ranked 108th in Off. efficiency per KenPom (previously 99th)

Wagner: 108.4 Off. Rating, 50% eFG, 31% 3PT (22 att.), 72.7% AST Rate

Albany: 128.5 Off. Rating, 70% eFG, 40% 3PT (22 att.), 63.4 AST Rate

UMBC: 109 Off. Rating, 50% eFG, 15% 3PT (20 att.), 51.5 % AST Rate

I thought Georgetown had some spacing issues and clunkiness in their offense against Mount St. Mary’s and Saint Francis. They just didn’t look comfortable despite doing enough against a couple of bad opponents. The offense looked MUCH better this week. I was pleased to see the spacing issues were fixed. We didn’t see two guys in the same spot on the weak side, and the pieces all seemed to fit a little better. The assist rate seems to be a good indicator for the offense overall. In part, it tells you whether certain guys are dribbling the air out of the ball, but it’s a good indicator of how they are working in transition. This team has been rough in transition over the last year, frankly, and a lot of that is just not sharing the ball and making the right pass on the fast break. They had their two best games in transition this year, scoring 1.842 points per possession against Albany and .950 points per possession against UMBC. I don’t think it’s a coincidence they had their two best scoring outputs in those games.

Defense – A Currently ranked 87th in Def. efficiency per KenPom (previously 145th)

Wagner: 67.3 Def Rating, 35% eFG, 21.8% TOV Rate, 65.6% DRB Rate

Albany: 87.4 Def Rating, 42% eFG, 20.1% TOV Rate, 79.4% DRB Rate

UMBC: 79.1 Def Rating, 42% eFG, 20.2% TOV Rate, 83.9% DRB Rate

There are still issues, particularly the three-point defense, and the defense absolutely has to show up against better competition. But screw it, let’s have some fun, the defense was good this past week. It’s been a very long time since we could say that. This is the first time since the vaunted and BE Tourney Champion 21-22 team that the Hoyas defensive rating has been higher than their offensive rating. And did I mention they are 3rd in the nation, yes, the entire country, in steals? Yes, you absolutely have to add the “they’ve played mostly cupcakes” caveat there, but eight games into the year is enough that this isn’t just a fluke. They are 7th in overall turnover percentage (!). They are 12th in free throw attempts per Field Goal attempts (!!!!), meaning they are defending without fouling. They are 10th in opponent 2pt FG percentage (!!!!!!!) They are top 75 in block percentage (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!), and they are top 50 in effective field goal percentage against (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!).

Look, WVU’s 73rd-ranked offense could throw up a wild number against them, and all of this would come crashing down to earth, but for the first time in way too long, this team has a defensive identity and plan, and they are executing it. They are active in forcing turnovers. They have been solid in help defense and rim protection (Sorber has been much better than expected on that front), and they’ve taken away a lot of the easy twos. Their weakness remains staying in front of guards, which has led to a lot of inside-out and ball rotation threes, but in years past, they were giving those up, plus easy buckets at the rim.

They’ve been much better at taking the easy twos away, and their three-point defense and rotations are improving. Their three opponents this past week are not going to be mistaken for world-beating offenses, but you have to start somewhere. The outline of a solid, maybe even good (knock-on-wood) defense is emerging. It helps when you have one of the 5-10 best defensive players in the country. I see you, Micah Peavy, but this has been a whole team effort. I may regret it in a week, but I am giving them an A. I’m just as shocked as you are

Coming Up

Put up or shut up time against a legit power five, tournament team, on the road. WVU is fresh from OT wins against Gonzaga and Arizona in the Bahamas and an OT loss to Louisville. This is a good basketball team and a tough environment. They are led by new head coach Darian DeVries, who spent the past few seasons building one of the best mid-major programs in the country at Drake. He brought over a number of players from that team, including his son Tucker, who know how to score. They also added a couple of guys Jayden Epps should know well from his time at Illinois. I actually think this is a decent matchup for Georgetown.

They are bigger, and Jayden and Malik are not going to have a significant size mismatch. WVU has a legit defender in Sencire Harris, who I imagine will start on Jayden (the two were freshmen together at Illinois). Sorber has a great matchup test with another highly touted Sophomore transfer from Illinois, Amani Hansberry. If Sorber gets the better of that matchup, look for the hype to get even louder. WVU shoots all of the threes. They are 18th in the nation in three-point attempt percentage. They make them at a good, not great, 35% rate. Georgetown’s defense will be tested. Micah will be critical in matching up against Tucker Devries, who is shooting 46% from three this year (36% for his career). WVU is a better team, but this is not as wild a mismatch as it might appear at first glance. That is if Georgetown is going to be anything this season.