Who are these #13 seed Eastern Washington University (EWU) Eagles? (26-8, 14-4; clinched bid in Big Sky Conference, which includes Montana, Sacramento State and Northern Arizona, among others)
What do we know? First, EWU’s head coach Jim Hayford stated on Jim Rome’s show, “We’re going to win, talk again, Jim,” encouraging fans to fill out their brackets with EWU moving forward. Another cocky headline seeker, I guess. They have one “quality” win this season over a team that the Hoyas also beat: the unranked Indiana Hoosiers (in Bloomington, 88-86 on 11/24). EWU also beat a U of Washington team when that team was ranked 17th early in the season, and they otherwise faced no nationally ranked teams except SMU, in a 77-68 loss on 11/22. That doesn’t mean they have little talent, but it’s difficult to compare these teams on an equal playing field.
What is Eastern Washington University (EWU)? A regional public university headquartered in Cheney, Washington, with programs offered at other campuses, including Spokane. Founded in 1882, it was originally known as Benjamin P. Cheney Academy to honor its founder until it was renamed in 1889 as State Normal School. After several name changes, in 1977, the school’s name was changed for the ‘final’ time to Eastern Washington University by the State Legislature. As of 2014, EWU enrolled over 13,000 graduate and undergraduate students at both its Cheney and Spokane campuses.
The university is classified as “inclusive, since the university admitted eighty-two percent of those who applied to be freshmen in 2010” and almost 90% of those freshmen were from Washington.
The alumni who tops the list of notable alumni now is “Tom Ackerman, former NFL center.” Three quarters on that list have played football, somewhere. However, the leading scorer in the nation, point guard Tyler Harvey, a 6′ 4″ junior guard averaging 22 ppg., is attempting to ascend to the top of the list with an upset over Georgetown.
I believe we have a strong and capable Hoya team who oppose that aspiration and will prevent the coach’s predicted outcome.
Where Do They Play This Game? The Hoyas meet the Eagles for the first time in history at the Moda Center in Portland OR tomorrow night.
Hoya fans have seen this before. A bigger, strong and faster Georgetown team facing a smaller but quick and hot outside shooting team. This is where Swarming Hoya D comes into play.
Guess who Tyler’s idol is? Yep, now superstar Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors, formerly of … Davidson (2008). Even more reason to shut him down.
What the Hoyas Need To Do:
1. If not forget, compartmentalize tournament history. No doubt this Georgetown team, as well as alumni, students and fans and of course JTIII, need to start now by making the past the past and creating a new post-season future. We all know the facts–the Hoyas are looking to avoid losing to a double-digit seed in the NCAA tournament for their sixth consecutive appearance, back to 2008, with Stephen Curry and Davidson.
2. Ignore the Haters, Embrace Your Lovers. Of course teams and fans are still targeting the Hoyas from the Big East with the Great Tradition. But the only thing that should matter to this 2015 Hoya team is its own legacy and creating tradition. Remember that you are loved by many and you have legions of fans, near and far, who are rooting for you to succeed. You may not hear all of our cheers in the Moda Center but we are there.
3. The Usual Goals: Great defense, especially to stop Harvey (a 43 % three-point shooter and 85 % foul shooter) but don’t forget his teammates. Watch Venky Jois inside. Get out to an early lead/don’t play from behind and move the ball well for good shots. Use Josh early and often and stay out of foul trouble. Get to the rim for easy shots and draw fouls and convert. Take care of the ball and treat every possession as important as it is, and every stop at the other end accordingly. Easy for me to say from 3000 miles away, right? You know what to do!
Georgetown, with a 226 year history, must take the long view. The past 7 years were painful yes, but that is a blip on the screen of a 100 year+ hoops program. It’s our time again, Hoyas. You have the talent. Hear our cheers for you and play your game. We want to go on a run with you, starting in just over 24 hours.
#HoyaSaxa #H4L #BeatEWU #PutEmAway
#23Aaron Bowen, in that crazy tip in game winner over Louisville at Verizon Center 2013.
Hoyas Draw 4 Seed in South Region; Face 13 Seed Eastern Washington U in NCAA First Round Thursday Night
Who are these #13 seed Eastern Washington University (EWU) Eagles? (26-8, 14-4; clinched bid in Big Sky Conference, which includes Montana, Sacramento State and Northern Arizona, among others)
What do we know? First, EWU’s head coach Jim Hayford stated on Jim Rome’s show, “We’re going to win, talk again, Jim,” encouraging fans to fill out their brackets with EWU moving forward. Another cocky headline seeker, I guess. They have one “quality” win this season over a team that the Hoyas also beat: the unranked Indiana Hoosiers (in Bloomington, 88-86 on 11/24). EWU also beat a U of Washington team when that team was ranked 17th early in the season, and they otherwise faced no nationally ranked teams except SMU, in a 77-68 loss on 11/22. That doesn’t mean they have little talent, but it’s difficult to compare these teams on an equal playing field.
What is Eastern Washington University (EWU)? A regional public university headquartered in Cheney, Washington, with programs offered at other campuses, including Spokane. Founded in 1882, it was originally known as Benjamin P. Cheney Academy to honor its founder until it was renamed in 1889 as State Normal School. After several name changes, in 1977, the school’s name was changed for the ‘final’ time to Eastern Washington University by the State Legislature. As of 2014, EWU enrolled over 13,000 graduate and undergraduate students at both its Cheney and Spokane campuses.
The university is classified as “inclusive, since the university admitted eighty-two percent of those who applied to be freshmen in 2010” and almost 90% of those freshmen were from Washington.
The alumni who tops the list of notable alumni now is “Tom Ackerman, former NFL center.” Three quarters on that list have played football, somewhere. However, the leading scorer in the nation, point guard Tyler Harvey, a 6′ 4″ junior guard averaging 22 ppg., is attempting to ascend to the top of the list with an upset over Georgetown.
I believe we have a strong and capable Hoya team who oppose that aspiration and will prevent the coach’s predicted outcome.
Where Do They Play This Game? The Hoyas meet the Eagles for the first time in history at the Moda Center in Portland OR tomorrow night.
Hoya fans have seen this before. A bigger, strong and faster Georgetown team facing a smaller but quick and hot outside shooting team. This is where Swarming Hoya D comes into play.
Guess who Tyler’s idol is? Yep, now superstar Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors, formerly of … Davidson (2008). Even more reason to shut him down.
What the Hoyas Need To Do:
1. If not forget, compartmentalize tournament history. No doubt this Georgetown team, as well as alumni, students and fans and of course JTIII, need to start now by making the past the past and creating a new post-season future. We all know the facts–the Hoyas are looking to avoid losing to a double-digit seed in the NCAA tournament for their sixth consecutive appearance, back to 2008, with Stephen Curry and Davidson.
2. Ignore the Haters, Embrace Your Lovers. Of course teams and fans are still targeting the Hoyas from the Big East with the Great Tradition. But the only thing that should matter to this 2015 Hoya team is its own legacy and creating tradition. Remember that you are loved by many and you have legions of fans, near and far, who are rooting for you to succeed. You may not hear all of our cheers in the Moda Center but we are there.
3. The Usual Goals: Great defense, especially to stop Harvey (a 43 % three-point shooter and 85 % foul shooter) but don’t forget his teammates. Watch Venky Jois inside. Get out to an early lead/don’t play from behind and move the ball well for good shots. Use Josh early and often and stay out of foul trouble. Get to the rim for easy shots and draw fouls and convert. Take care of the ball and treat every possession as important as it is, and every stop at the other end accordingly. Easy for me to say from 3000 miles away, right? You know what to do!
Georgetown, with a 226 year history, must take the long view. The past 7 years were painful yes, but that is a blip on the screen of a 100 year+ hoops program. It’s our time again, Hoyas. You have the talent. Hear our cheers for you and play your game. We want to go on a run with you, starting in just over 24 hours.
#HoyaSaxa #H4L #BeatEWU #PutEmAway