I can honestly say the "Hoya faithful" were happy with the performances of all the Hoya players that played in the first weekend of the Nike Pro City Kenner Summer League on the Hilltop in the famed McDonough Gymnasium at Georgetown University. Great to see Lenny Elmore! He knows a lot about the Hoyas and I know he was there to do some scouting of the "Fresh Five" and the rest of the crew.
Firstly, I would like to welcome Aaron Bowen back! I was telling some of the people that were sitting alongside me that, "Aaron's timing looks pretty good especially when he hasn't played since the beginning of the season due to a shoulder injury." His leaping ability is still intact his hustle and determination as sharp as ever. Bowen, definitely looks hungry to me. Very athletic and acrobatic player. Hang time is phoenomenal! All the Hoyas seem to communicate with each other and their teammates. Going to be a great playerand he realizes, "players are made in the off-season."
I think it's great to see Chris Wright back in top form out on the basketball court coming off of that terrible near post season injury. This probably was "one" of his best performances since that dreadful moment at home against the Bearcats. Wright dropped a tough 30 points and had 5 steals. His explosiveness and quickness was outrageous. He and Jason Clark looked to be in full bloom as they've done during the regular season. Everything was on time.
The cutting and crisp passing to one another was definitely a flashback for me especially sitting very closely to the court. Jason defintely is in full throttle offensively and defensively. Just has to watch the "advertising cross court passes." He should know he doesn't have to take many dribbles get from point A to B because he's so quick. Good to see both on the same time once again.
Henry Sims and Markel Starks, I think that's a perfect combination, I really do. Both look good. Markel looks fluid and his defense on the ball is solid. His poise at the point guard position proved to be a factor in his teams play and win. Marke's ability to communicate and lead are what I think everybody is/was looking for. There was never a doubt in my mind that he Starks can run the show. As long as he's himself he and he Hoyas will be just fine.
Henry Sims is playing up to his potential and will only get better. I the vicious two handed put back dunks. My goodness! Rejuvenation time for this Hoya! I've always had faith in Henry and even told his mom in the phone booth (Verizon Center). He, Hopkins, Lubick, Adams, Porter, and Whittington will have field days blocking shots and rebounding. Stats should go up in these categories for the Hoyas.
My last blog I talked about the Tombs, a teamed comprised of 5 Hoya freshmen stepping up in their next game with a teamed named Boss Auto. This team was a lot bigger and better than the previous team that Tombs played the day before. I knew this would be another early challenge for the Tombs. The score was close at first and remained very close for the start of the second half, but the Tombs caught fire with 15 minutes left in the first half. The Tombs past their second test against a bigger and better team.
Jabril's leadership as the point man for his team proved to be major. His "mental and physical toughness and versitality" area blessing, and will be a blessing for the Hoyas this upcoming season. Once again, for the second day Mikael Hopkins proved to be force and factor in the paint. Before Mikael's first game, I did have the chance to tell him about the Hoya big men of the past, especially Michael Graham, lol, and he was very attentive and I could see he was taking in everything I telling him. I pointed to the1984 NCAA National Championship banner, and told him Michael Graham played a big factor in the 1984. I also told him how he Graham played and that I love Graham's play on the basketball court.
Greg "Magic" Whittington, was soaring, oops, my bad, was gliding all over the court even if a couple of shots didn't fall. It didn't matter that sure didn't break Whittington's confidence. This young man is truly a gem. Used all kinds of weapons in the game and stepped up. He might look thin but Greg's heart makes up for his strength, needless to say he has to lift and get stronger just as all his teammates need to do. This Hoya team is very long and athletic and play with a lot of heart and toughness.
Kenner music of the day the Iconic and Legendary Michael Jackson.
I had a great time at the 2011 Kenner Summer League yesterday. A moment all Hoya, other college and professional fans could enjoy seeing once again. It was good to see everyone. Some of my friends were walking into McDonough Gymnasium saying, "man, it feels great to be back here in McDonough at the Kenner League." You saw family, friends, or fans of players. Players from Howard, American University, Augusta State, Maryland, George Mason, George Washington the list goes on.
Also, Jeff Green played for the Tombs, a team of five freshmen Hoya, but just one thing they don't look like freshmen. Of course we will see these young men be challenged more from some other great teams, but this is where they bond, communicate, and step up to the challenge before they go to China. The young Hoyas are out to prove themselves.
One Hoya freshman Jabril Trawick has accomplished so much during spring, and I definitely saw this in his first Kenner League debut and will continue to see. Jabril fire in his eyes! This is what I look for in a player before and during games, the fire. The "sense of urgency to get better."
I have to quickly write this need to be getting ready to get up to the Hilltop. To make a long story short. Aaron Bowen looking nice and fluid with fire in his eyes some good defensive and offensive plays. Looks great for not playing for so long, he's coming right along.
Jason Clark, I think he knows what time it is. I see a "sense of urgency." The fire is definitely there. I think he knows he knows his big role he will take and and do. Jason will lead on the court, he definitely had a great day in Kenner. Flight dunks were off the charts, and definitely was locking em down out there.
Mickael Hopkin's debut young fella is going to be a prize winner. Love that kid he's gonna to do some great things for the Hoyas. His shotblocking ability is definitely available. Altering shots a big plus, runs the floor well. Just has to the ball up higher when he's holding it and make that move. He will be a gem!
Greg "Magic" Whittington, played well nice turn around shots made with back to the basket. Nice quick one hander shot also. Smoooooooth jumper and he's the type of player that can play the perimeter and still have the will to want to rebound. Now's that's awesome. Greg can play every position. Fire in his eyes too! Dribbles the length of the floor, head always up. I keep seeing a 6'9 Hoya stooping low and pushing the ball the length of the floor like a "true" point guard, not guard, but point guard and finishing! Mannn we got a lot of guards that can put it on the floor and make good decisions, I'm just saying.
Got to see my man George Johnson, DII, All-American running with my Hoyas. He will break out on everybody so stay tuned. When he gets hot lookout it will be raining in McDonough.
The french fries, hamburgers, turkey burgers, drinks, candy, chips, hot dogs, were in Kenner fashion.
Shout out to the Kenner League for rocking "The Godfather of GoGo," the Legendary Chuck Brown!!! #DCISOURPLAYGROUND!
throwing down his first two college points in the James "Jabbo" Kenner Memorial Summer League at Georgetown University
Dream
Lecrae
Well, Hoyanation and friends, the time is here! The time has come for all good men and women that love summer basketball and love their favorite college basketball team the Georgetown Hoyas. Although the Hoya player's are split up on different team's, fans will still get to see their favorite Hoya players in action. Fans will get the chance to see other college and professional players playing in the Kenner League.
I think Hoya fans will really be excited of the Hoya freshmen Otto Porter, Mikael Hopkins, Jabril Trawick, Greg Whittington, and Tyler Adams. They are very good people, students and players. The five freshmen will be playing for the Tombs. This is what make the Kenner League so special for loyal Hoya fans getting a sneak preview of what's to come in the near future for our team.
It also gives the fans a chance to put their own "pieces" to the puzzle. I think that's fun to do. As far as expectations, me personally I just want to enjoy seeing my Hoyas play no matter what. I'm always appreciate of my team and try to keep things in perspective. it's time to "pick up the pieces" and put them together now for the 2011-2012 season is not too far away. So let's get ready to rock roll and get this party started. Kenner League 2011 is one day away.
Pick Up The Pieces
Average White Band
There will be professional players from international teams and NBA players. I suspect a good variety of NBA players will be playing due to the NBA Lockout that recently occurred as of late. I hope the families that come out will enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of seeing and talking to some of their favorite college and professional players. Last summer the food was great. Chicken wings, french fries, hot dogs, hamburgers, turkey burgers, chips, candy, soda. Bring the family out for some great summer basketball and just think, It's Free.
Gotta throw one more video up, it's an "old school," video but it's "all good!"
Glidehoyas getting ready for the big week at The John Thompson III Georgetown Basketball School
#1 Georgetown fan
My Gtown tees we received I put my son's name over my heart there definitely was a connection the whole week
Glide Team Thunder!
2011 John Thompson III Georgetown Basektball School Champs!
Bottom Row (left to right) Coach Kent, Kevin Broadus, Lorenzo Foresti, Aaron Nedd
Back Row (left to right): MVP Cole Randolph, Skyler Speakthunder, Yari Tavani, Most Improved Player Jeremy Collier, Carlos Spatoco
Just one our 4th game team happy and humbled
Hello Hoyanation and friend it's been a minute. Happy to write to you about my great life experience in an "amazing, magically and historic" week at the 2011 John Thompson III Georgetown Basketball School. I'm sure when you do something special whether it's for someone else or something special happens to you you can't wait to tell that "magnificient" story to someone.
Nearly ever year since my son has passed away from osteosarcoma (bone cancer) I have dedicated the Georgetown basketball school to my son in his honor. So, this gives me a week to teach basketball through life at a place I call my other home and favorite basketball team on any levelthe Georgetown Hoyas.
Everyday before or during camp, I asked my son to help me do my best no matter what the circumstances contained. I was going to give 120% not 100%. As always I'm zoned out! I always believe in going the extra mile to be successful, and it showed duirng this "magical" week. The camp started June 20, 2011 and ended on June 24, 2011. I got sick the night of the first day of camp which was on a Monday. It was cool outside and cold inside the gymnasium and I had been sweating.
The combination did not go well, but that didn't stop me because I knew I was on a mission. At the end of camp Coach Thompson said, "I didn't think you would make it." Thank God I did, and thank you Chavis for giving me that extra "umph." It seems when you do something for someone you love and miss you go the extra two miles to reach your goal's of success. Speaking of going the extra mile check out this photo of my point guard Aaron Nedd after we had won our 5 straight game. Talking about being humble and reading. Great thing!
Was great to work alongside former Hoya great's Dikembe Mutombo and Al Harrington. Former Hoya great Dikembe Mutombo as camp counselor at the 2011 John Thompson III Georgetown Basketball School this to say about the camp, "It's a lot of work!," Mutombo said. "It's not as easy as I thought it was going to be. You have to be here at eight in the morning and you move as the kids are moving, so it's not easy."
Campers from Italy gather around to take a photo with former Wizard Coach Eddie Jordan and Dikembe Mutombo before camp starts. The Italian kids are really good and tough.
To the left in white Hoya tee Coach Kenya Hunter, Coach David Howze, (blue), Othella Harrington (blue) and Coach Brennan in white Hoya shirt talking to campers
Camp counselors and Dikembe Mutombo chatting before camp starts
Glidehoyas and former Hoya great big man Dikembe Mutombo at the 2011 John Thompson III Georgetown Basketball School
Oklahoma City Thunder Superstar Kevin Durant stops through McDonough to say hello
One of my players doing the layup the right way love the development of players
Outside teaching the game of basketball at the John Thompson III Basketball School
Trying to get everyone together so we can even the teams out
One of my kids pushing the rock with me in the background saying, "Push It"
I was assigned Team 6 and that team ended up being called the Thunder in the NBA Division the camps highest division. After the camps stations, 3 on 3's, one on one's and free throw shooting contests we had our games particularly after lunch. Either I'm refereeing or we're playing the first game after lunch whichever way the game schedule's are. Anyways, that part of the day is the "most" challenging and of course rewarding. Having to referee and then coach was a "tough" task, but as always I would mentally prepare myself through any circumstance.
Of course, refereeing requires lots of energy and running. Was I up for the tasks? Yes, I was I had no choice, I was still on a mission. Coaching was just what it was coaching. Being vocal, giving directions, motivating, staying confident, stay focused, teaching and most of all keeping everthing in perspective because I knew this was a camp for kids to "develop" in, not me trying to win at all costs. If a kid could not keep control of the ball in a dribbling drill but in the fourth day of camp he could "now" control the dribble. That's just "one" of the things that gets me excited about coaching the game of basketball the "fundamentals and development."
To make a long story short all of games were very competitive, but I looked at the clock and then told my team to look at the clock and to keep our heads up we still have a ways to go. They did! The Thunder hung in there and pulled out the win in our first game of the day. We also won our second game of the day and were 2-0.
I was happy for our team in what they had accomplished for the day, but I told my team, "hey, guys we have to stay focused and take it one game at a time. Other teams are going to be talking trash to you and me, and they were, but by me keeping everything in perspective knowing this camp is a "developmental" camp it really didn't bother me too much." But, I did say to one kid, "okay now if my team beats your team, don't start crying and complaining, and he said, "okay coach, bet." Our team beat their's and the young man was very complimentary after the game, and I told him good job.
For the rest of the week my team the Thunder continued to win and remain undefeated, but believe me that was the hardest thing to do staying undefeated. "As a coach there are some players you worry about and you worry, how can I stop their best player from attacking and scoring at will?" This wasn't very hard to figure out as it seemed my son was around in spirit. There was a quick thought in my head, "most importantly after my team shoots the ball whether they miss the shot or make it, get back quickly on defense because these team's best players love to attack, so once everyone quickly gets back on defense, close off all the lanes, but I had to quickly coach them to accomplish these tasks, it worked I was like ah man, thanks Chavis."
This is one of many times I knew my son was guiding me right through the hard work and storms my team had to overcome especially going into the semifinals and the final game. The semifinal game was a hard game because we had to play back to back games. My team was completely tired and drained. It was Thursday and they had gave it everything they had even myself. I calmly said a prayer and asked Chavis to give me some energy so I/we could finish this camp off with a bang. We did! This time it was for the 2011 John Thompson III Georgetown Basketball School NBA Divison Championship at 7-0!My team won in what Coach Thompson said, "this is the best championship I've ever seen in the history of the Georgetown Basketball School."
When he said this I was "stunned and thankful!" I jokingly said and to my son, "Chavis what did you do?" The championship game was very very competitive filled with lots of drama. The game went into "double overtime." Who would of imagined or visioned this is the way the championship would turn out. Yes, you probably here some folks saying, "it's just a camp championship and what have you."
Keep in mind these games in this and camp are for the kids, and those players wanted to win, so I showed them how to win. I could see that they were new to all of this, and had no clue on what it took to wina championship on any level, but after they won they overcame "adversity and doubt," they learned how to win, and become champions. Our team had the MVP Cole Randoph and Most Improved Player Jeremy Collier in two other accomplishments of the our team the Thunder! I could definitely feels my son's presence. I was filled with so much unbelievable emotion I did cry but it was more like tears of joy, it sure felt good and I really enjoyed those moments and will treasure them forever! Thank you Coach Thompson, Georgetown, and the Georgetown Basketball School, it was truly like a story with a great story book ending. Unbelievable, thank you Chavis for guiding me man always a pleasure son.
John Thompson Jr. and Georgetown University President DeGioia
Reach One Teach One
Coach John Thompson III congratulating me and Team Thunder for our double overtime win in the Georgetown Basketball School Championship he dubbed as the most exciting and competive game ever played at this school...
Team Thunder receiving their 2011 Georgetown Basketball School championship trophies from Coach Thompson III and Coach Kirby...I'm congratulating my players...I think I'm the shortest out there lol
One of my players receiving his trophy from Coach Thompson...I'm reading off the names of the champs...Champ standing beside was my point guard...
One more trophy to hand out to the kid all the way to the left that hit the 3 pointer to send the game into overtime...
MVP first gray tee and over to the left in the gray tee is the Most Improved Player
One last huddle for Team Thunder
Farewell Team Thunder man I love this team...
I was taking a photo of a couple of the kids from Italy, but all of them jump into the photo love these kids they were awesome and very competitive
After camp was over I went home and thought about my son Chavis and how I would like to have a trophy for him...Thanks Coach Thompson III
Chavis and I
Peace and Love Hoyanation and friends!
I still do it all for you son, didn't know I could you gave me the okay, so I just wanted to thank you Chavis and thank the Georgetown Basketball School for giving me the opportunity to spread my wings for you and our team Thunder!
PUT IT ON THE LINE
Some stuff from Facebook I wrote and the comments from others lol:
my kids are doing well at the Georgetown Basketball School they are working very hard and are 4-0 this school is also dedicated to my son Chavis how awesome
Man, I cried after we won the John Thompson III Georgetown Basketball Championship, why, it's the only time I really get to dedicate and do something for my son Chavis, and he sure was watching over my team and I. That one was for you Chavis and thank you and I love you, oh believe me for those who do not believe in spirits, well...
Coach John Thompson III said, "this was the greatest championship game ever played in the history of the Georgetown Basketball School! Oh my! Chavis, it was all for you :0)
Feelling a lil better still recovering after a great emotional week at the Georgetown Basketball School. I gave it my all for my team's school, son, and my players. Happy to see my players do something they probably thought they couldn't achieve at the time. The did! Now they really know how tough they are. Team Thunder you struck and it poured you are the 2011 GBS Champs! :0)
