Rivals Hoya Report publisher Ron Bailey and I exchanged questions in advance of tonight's game. Here are his answers:
1--Do you believe Patrick Ewing can be part of a turnaround? How do you see his status going forward?
Yes, I do with a caveat; Ewing has to reset the program's culture to one that's more centered on communication and collaboration than a singular voice.
He's staying until at least next year--per sources Ewing has two "guaranteed" years on his contract. With former HC JT3 still being paid, paying him, Ewing and a new coach is not tenable. (Note: This answer was sent before Georgetown announced Ewing was returning)
2--Why do you think Aminu Mohammed has struggled? (Note: I should have asked why has he struggled shooting. He is definitely a volume shooter)
I wouldn't say he's struggled per se; he's second on the team and 12th in league scoring, 3rd in conference rebounding. Could get rookie of year in BIG EAST
What this year has shown is he needs to improve his shooting (long/mid), finishing and PNR.
Aminu's effort has rarely been questioned.
3--Ewing has been trying a lot of different combinations in recent games, seemingly searching for anything that might work. Should Seton Hall expect the unexpected?
Not the unexpected--for instance they will man when more zone may help--but SHU will see changes within man defense.
Pirates will see a reactionary sub pattern as Ewing does indeed look to find what works game by game.
4--It's hard to say anyone is the MVP of a 6-22 team, but who has earned that honor?
Don Carey, grad guard is my MVP. He's first in scoring, Carey IS THE team leader. Ewing raves about him.
Not fast or explosive, Carey nevertheless makes plays and brings a coach on the floor perspective
5--Why have the Hoyas struggled so much defensively?
Georgetown doesn't have good man defenders. And they don't really have 6-6 type wings, plus a lot of new players.
Switching to zone should help steal possessions, but that's something Ewing seemingly does grudgingly.
1--Do you believe Patrick Ewing can be part of a turnaround? How do you see his status going forward?
Yes, I do with a caveat; Ewing has to reset the program's culture to one that's more centered on communication and collaboration than a singular voice.
He's staying until at least next year--per sources Ewing has two "guaranteed" years on his contract. With former HC JT3 still being paid, paying him, Ewing and a new coach is not tenable. (Note: This answer was sent before Georgetown announced Ewing was returning)
2--Why do you think Aminu Mohammed has struggled? (Note: I should have asked why has he struggled shooting. He is definitely a volume shooter)
I wouldn't say he's struggled per se; he's second on the team and 12th in league scoring, 3rd in conference rebounding. Could get rookie of year in BIG EAST
What this year has shown is he needs to improve his shooting (long/mid), finishing and PNR.
Aminu's effort has rarely been questioned.
3--Ewing has been trying a lot of different combinations in recent games, seemingly searching for anything that might work. Should Seton Hall expect the unexpected?
Not the unexpected--for instance they will man when more zone may help--but SHU will see changes within man defense.
Pirates will see a reactionary sub pattern as Ewing does indeed look to find what works game by game.
4--It's hard to say anyone is the MVP of a 6-22 team, but who has earned that honor?
Don Carey, grad guard is my MVP. He's first in scoring, Carey IS THE team leader. Ewing raves about him.
Not fast or explosive, Carey nevertheless makes plays and brings a coach on the floor perspective
5--Why have the Hoyas struggled so much defensively?
Georgetown doesn't have good man defenders. And they don't really have 6-6 type wings, plus a lot of new players.
Switching to zone should help steal possessions, but that's something Ewing seemingly does grudgingly.
