Only two current Hoyas have been to Big Dance
John Thompson III remembers everything about the last time Georgetown played an NCAA Tournament game in Providence, R.I.
The year was 1989. And yet, he wasn’t involved in the game at all, having graduated the season before from Princeton, the 16-seed and first-round opponent that year for the top-seeded Hoyas, who were still under the tutelage of his father, John Thompson Jr.
“That was one of the most difficult games I’ve been a part of, in as much as I wasn’t a part of it,” said Thompson when asked Tuesday about the game prior to his team’s departure for the very same venue.
“I think the game, both teams won that day, to tell you the truth,” said Thompson of Georgetown’s exceptionally narrow 50-49 victory. “The NCAA Tournament won that year. We’re talking about expanding the tournament; at that point, they were talking about reducing the number of teams invited.”
Thompson’s deep history and memory are in stark contrast to his current squad, which may have been hardened by their run to the Big East Tournament final last weekend but boasts just two players that have been to the NCAAs before, juniors Chris Wright and Austin Freeman.
“I have to say, I’ve never been more excited to play a basketball game in my life,” said sophomore center Greg Monroe. “It’s the NCAA Tournament. Of course, it’s my very first time so I’m anxious to play in the tournament.”
Plenty of eyes will be on Monroe, and not just because of the way he emerged as a dominating big man during the Big East championship. With every potential victory the Hoyas earn in the NCAA Tournament, speculation will grow over whether Monroe, a likely NBA Draft lottery pick, will jump to the pros.
Not that he requires any special attention.
“Greg isn’t 12 years old,” said Wright. “He’s a grown man, and he’s going to be out there, and just be out there and play. I don’t think he needs to approach the game any different. He’s been doing exceptionally well, especially coming down the stretch. Greg is going to be a key factor in our NCAA run.”
