Following a season where Patrick Ewing scheduled the weakest schedule anywhere in the nation, the Hoyas went 10-1 and still failed to make the post-season, the 2018-19 slate is only slightly better, rated 325th of 351. Georgetown is picked 8th in the Big East and #93 overall in Sports Illustrated's pre-season list for 2018-19 with just two non-conference opponents in the top 120. Tuesday's opponent, Maryland-Eastern Shore, is not along them. The Hawks are coming off a 7-25 season and a loss to Division III Salisbury (MD) in an exhibition game last week.
Tuesday's game figures to be less about the Hawks and more about the arrival of four freshman and a transfer senior to see if they can help dig Georgetown out of its worst three year run in a half-century.
Eastern Shore returnees three starters but only one started in last week's exhibition: 6-7 forward Tyler Jones. The junior needs to be a more effective offensive option for the Hawks in this game, averaging just 12 points a game. last season against the Hoyas, Jones was 6 for 17 from the field and 0 for 5 from three. UMES will also look to 6-0 junior Ahmad Frost (10.8 ppg) and 6-10 LeAndre Thomas, but neither figures to carry the team on its shoulders. One newcomer to watch: 6-7 junior A.J. Cheesman, a transfer from the University of New Orleans, who led the Hawks with 17 points and six rebounds in the Salisbury game.
The Hawks' weaknesses on height, team speed and perimeter defense figure to be early indicators of when Georgetown will pull away. Head coach Patrick Ewing will be rotating between guards Jahvon Blair, Jagan Mosely, James Akinjo, and Mac McClung for the next few games. An early injury to Kaleb Johnson might allow some three guard setups as well. Up front, fans may look to see if Jamorko Pickett is more aggressive on offense, or if Greg Malinowski can provide outside shooting off the bench.
Some other keys to the game?
Control the Perimeter: UMES was awful from the three in their exhibition, and not much better in 2017-18, averaging just 28.4% last season.
Turnover Troubles: Georgetown was beset by turnover issues all last season, and may have some early troubles in games getting used to each other.
Mourning Or Evening? The first part of the season should be an indicator if fifth year senior trey Mourning is going to be an active contributor in place of Jessie Govan. The Hoyas were fortunate that Govan stayed out of foul trouble in 2017-18, but minus Marcus Derrickson and Antwan Walker, a backup option is essential.
Effort: Georgetown needs to give a 40 minute effort regardless of the score.
Tuesday's game figures to be less about the Hawks and more about the arrival of four freshman and a transfer senior to see if they can help dig Georgetown out of its worst three year run in a half-century.
Eastern Shore returnees three starters but only one started in last week's exhibition: 6-7 forward Tyler Jones. The junior needs to be a more effective offensive option for the Hawks in this game, averaging just 12 points a game. last season against the Hoyas, Jones was 6 for 17 from the field and 0 for 5 from three. UMES will also look to 6-0 junior Ahmad Frost (10.8 ppg) and 6-10 LeAndre Thomas, but neither figures to carry the team on its shoulders. One newcomer to watch: 6-7 junior A.J. Cheesman, a transfer from the University of New Orleans, who led the Hawks with 17 points and six rebounds in the Salisbury game.
The Hawks' weaknesses on height, team speed and perimeter defense figure to be early indicators of when Georgetown will pull away. Head coach Patrick Ewing will be rotating between guards Jahvon Blair, Jagan Mosely, James Akinjo, and Mac McClung for the next few games. An early injury to Kaleb Johnson might allow some three guard setups as well. Up front, fans may look to see if Jamorko Pickett is more aggressive on offense, or if Greg Malinowski can provide outside shooting off the bench.
Some other keys to the game?
Control the Perimeter: UMES was awful from the three in their exhibition, and not much better in 2017-18, averaging just 28.4% last season.
Turnover Troubles: Georgetown was beset by turnover issues all last season, and may have some early troubles in games getting used to each other.
Mourning Or Evening? The first part of the season should be an indicator if fifth year senior trey Mourning is going to be an active contributor in place of Jessie Govan. The Hoyas were fortunate that Govan stayed out of foul trouble in 2017-18, but minus Marcus Derrickson and Antwan Walker, a backup option is essential.
Effort: Georgetown needs to give a 40 minute effort regardless of the score.
