When you’re a big man at Georgetown, whether you like it or not, you’ve got more than just one head coach.
Seven-foot-2 Hoyas center Roy Hibbert recalled exactly when he turned his game around after two points, two rebounds and two fouls in the first half of the Georgetown’s NCAA second round game against Boston College.
“When coach [John Thompson III] was getting on me in the locker room,” said Hibbert. “I had to get my act together. Plus, I saw Big John [Thompson Jr.] giving me some looks on the sidelines.”
Hibbert had 15 points, 10 rebounds and a victory-clinching assist in the second half in the 62-55 win over the Eagles.
He’s the tallest starter left among the tournament’s final 16 teams and a match-up problem for every one of them except perhaps Ohio State seven-foot freshman Greg Oden — he’s already twice manhandled the only other seven-footer, Pittsburgh senior center Aaron Gray.
“Roy creates a lot of mismatches, as much as size, but Roy’s a good passer so he’s able to attack teams as far as when they collapse down,” said junior guard Jonathan Wallace.
When Hoyas fans think national championship, Patrick Ewing comes to mind, and Hibbert knows what being a true center can do for Georgetown’s latest title run.
“I have to be extremely physical and dominant when I can in the game. Big Pat was extremely physical and dominant so I have a long way to go, and I aspire to be like him,” said Hibbert. “But all around this whole team doesn’t rely on just one person.”
Yet the Hoyas are most effective when Hibbert gets himself into the game, a task that is somewhat at odds with his personality.
“I just think he needs to make a conscious effort to be a presence. He’s such an unselfish person, he’s content to catch it and throw it out, and catch it and throw it out,” said John Thompson III. “Then, I’m answering questions about Roy’s shots: ‘How come we’re not getting him shots?’ ‘Roy, turn and look at the basket, and you’ll get a few more shots.’ I think he just has to stay aggressive, particularly before he catches the basketball.”
Thompson is coach of year finalist
Georgetown head coach John Thompson III was named one of four finalists for Naismith men’s college basketball coach of the year.
Tony Bennett of Washington State, Billy Gillispie of Texas A&M and Bo Ryan of Wisconsin were the other three finalists. The winner will be announced April 5.
In just three seasons at the helm, Thompson has guided the Hoyas to three postseason appearances, including two-straight appearances in the Sweet 16, and to the 2007 Big East regular season and tournament championship. He has a three-year record of 70-28.
