Guest Preview: Rutgers

Nothing like posting a game preview half an hour before tip-off, but here goes anyway. Ray Floriani, NJ native, sent me a preview yesterday, but I'm just getting to it now (sorry Ray!):

Tomorrow Georgetown visits the RAC for an afternoon meeting with a Rutgers team that is struggling and 0-1 in conference play. Coach Fred Hill is unsure of his starters at this point. One thing is certain, minus the services of Corey Chandler, a talented freshman guard, it’s going to be a struggle. A look at the key personnel.

JR Inman 6’9” JR – Didn’t start at USF but logged appreciable minutes. Suited more as a four but will play the five at times. Can put it on the floor and hit the perimeter shot. Struggled a great deal against UNC’s Tyler Hansbrough which doesn’t bode well with 7’2” Roy Hibbert in the paint.

Anthony Farmer 6’1’ JR – Scoring and looking for his shot a little more in Chandler’s absence.

Courtney Nelson 6’1” JR – Getting more time due to Chandler’s injury. Nelson has been an enigma. Ever since his arrival after transferring from Richmond, Nelson has struggled shooting the ball.

Mike Coburn 6’ – Mount Vernon product, getting more action and coming along as the season progresses.

Hamady Ndaye 6’11” SO – The five man. Can block shots but not a great offensive threat. Will have his hands full with Hibbert.

Earl Pettis 6’5” – Hill has been happy with his hustle and energy. If he doesn’t start he’ll see a good amount of minutes.

Jaron Griffin 6’7” – Junior swingman who likes to launch the three. Could have given RU the lead the other night as he shot two T’s (for a USF warmup dunk). Griffin missed both. A premonition of Rutgers’ night.

Byron Joynes 6’9” – The senior center can be effective in spots but not over the long haul. The RU official site notes he leads the team in charges drawn.

Three keys for Georgetown

1. Establish the lead. RAC is tough place to play and the fans will be pumped. Against North Carolina once the lead hit double digits, the crowd was less a factor. Georgetown has to come out with poise, run their sets and take it a possession at a time.

2. Take advantage of Rutgers inside. Ndaye and Joynes won’t go the full 40 and Inman is susceptible to good big men. With Hibbert, the Hoyas can exploit in the middle.

3. Dribble penetration. Rutgers has struggled all season from the perimeter but the guards can get in the lane. Something to be mindful of as the Hoya big men are not as valuable sitting out with foul trouble.