Georgetown’s Newfound Success
The Georgetown Hoyas are clicking on all cylinders as they improve to 8-3, winning their last four games. The Hoyas have not made the NCAA tournament since 2015, and with the departures of Big East Freshman of the Year James Akinjo, and Big East All Freshman team Josh LeBlanc, the road to the Big Dance (NCAA Championship) becomes a harder task.
James Akinjo is the defending Big East Freshman of the Year after averaging 13.4 points and 5.2 assists last season. He was dismissed from the team after allegations about teammate Josh LeBlanc surfaced in misconduct. Photo courtesy of Cal Griffin/ATH
There’s been a lot of question marks surrounding this inexperienced Georgetown team. The Hoyas are playing with four freshmen and a fairly new head coach, Patrick Ewing. Through all the turmoil the Hoyas have faced, they’ve been able to turn to senior big man Omer Yurtseven and stand out sophomore Mac McClung to bring success despite the unforeseen roster changes. Yurtseven’s overall play has been the most consistent for the Hoyas as he is Top 5 in scoring, rebounds, blocks, and field goal percentage. Yurtseven is averaging a career high 19.7 points per game with 9.7 rebounds. Having a big such as Yurtseven gives the Hoyas a reliable option down the stretch and whenever the team is in need of scoring.
Head Coach Patrick Ewing giving instructions to Sophmore phenom Mac McClung. Photo Courtesy of Washington Post
Guard Mac McClung has turned himself into one of the focal points of the offense, elevating his game to a whole new level. McClung came into Tuesday night’s game averaging 26 points while shooting a scorching hot 47.5% from the three point line during the three games without the two stars. This stretch also included his breakout game of the season, where he exploded for 33 points against a then undefeated Oklahoma State squad. With both Akinjo and Leblanc away from the team McClung has really taken over the leadership role.
Georgetown forward Josh LeBlanc (23) restrains center Omer Yurtseven (44) after Yurtseven was called for a foul and objected to the call during the second half of the team’s NCAA college basketball game against Duke in the 2K Empire Classic, Friday, Nov. 22, 2019 in New York. Duke won 81-73. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
The Hoyas have increased their run to four wins and are showing great promise in a very gritty Big East Conference. With the added contribution of McClung and the steady play of Yurtseven, the Hoyas look to further their hot streak as they host Samford, this Saturday afternoon at 12:00 PM EST on FS1.