One last look at the Texas game

With tip-off for the Towson game in just a couple of hours, I'd be remiss if I didn't pass along a brief recap that Ray Floriani sent my way.

NEW YORK CITY – A few thoughts and notes assembled watching Georgetown post an excellent win over Texas in the Jimmy V…

Impressed with Nate Lubick. A versatile player, Lubick is looking more comfortable each time out. He can use his size inside and also set a screen or make the pass out of the high post. The first two years chalk up to the learning process, Lubick is starting to come into his own.

Another player of note you cannot help but be impressed with is Otto Porter. Simply said Porter is extremely efficient and effective. He does not force the issue on either end of the floor.

Great start for the Hoyas, 6-1 and the sole setback an overtime loss to top-ranked Indiana. Naturally, Coach John Thompson III is pleased, but feels the team is still learning and improving on a daily basis. Remember, there is not a senior on this Georgetown roster.

Mikael Hopkins in the estimation of  JTIII had a sub-par night. Hopkins, a 10.7 ppg scorer, scored 1 point in nine minutes. Thompson cautioned that will happen given he is one of those young players (a 6-9 sophomore) assimilating a lot day-to-day in practice. Thompson did add, “he (Hopkins) struggled today. But we did have guys step up in his place. We need Mikael to play well for us.”

Thought it was interesting the media notes pointed out Texas and Georgetown had not met since 1972. Texas won that game and that was the last season before John Thompson took over the coaching reins. Running the club back then was Jack Magee. Surprising these two have not met for four decades. Both are high profile programs you would figure would meet in a pre-season or post-season tournament. Didn’t happen.

Good representation of Georgetown fans were out for the Garden game. Lubick noted how the Garden felt comfortable for the Hoyas because they play the Big East Tournament and St. John’s at the ‘World’s Most Famous Arena’. Lubick also mentioned the previously mentioned fan support as a plus.

Ran into former Georgetown assistant Bill Stein who later served as Athletic Director at St. Peter’s. Stein was taking in the St. Peter’s-Seton Hall meeting at the Prudential Center. Stein noted coach John Thompson III is not only an excellent coach from a technical/tactical sense but also “does a great job of relating to and working so well with his players.” JTIII has mastered the delicate balance of being in control and a player’s coach.

Good move to show some pressure and change up defenses a few times in the Texas game. The Longhorns are young and turnover prone. Changing the defenses kept them from really establishing any type of a comfort zone on offense. Hoyas led 9-0 after the first four minutes and were basically in control the entire night.