Countdown to MM: Homecoming Sp Edition: It's About Defense!

Dec 13, 1980: Hoyas down GW Colonials on the road, 84-82 in double OT! After the loss of 4 year former Dunbar HS stars John Duren, and Craig Shelton there was the big question of where the rebounds would come from. With the arrival of highly-touted point guard 6-5 uptown Freddie Brown from the Bronx, New York there was little doubt the Hoyas would be well stocked at guard. After all there was All-American Eric "Sleepy" Floyd and super swingman Eric Smith. The suprise of the season was freshman defensive star Gene Smith from nearby McKinley Tech. Gene would lead the Hoyas' use of a 3-guard lineup for most of the year, with an inside-your shirt defense not seen since the days of Mike Riley. Yes, the Hoyas would have trouble rebounding, but this was an exciting team that brought excitement to McDonough Arena. Before the coming of Patrick Ewing to the Hilltop, this Hoya team would take John Thompson's signature pressure defense to another level. On this date in the Hoyas last meeting with cross-town rival GW, the defense would lead Georgetown to victory in a very sloppy game. As the legendary Boston Celtic coach would often say, "Defense wins Championships." We are Georgetown!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Proud Member of Generation Ewing.