Monday, December 12, 2011

Walking Tall in Maui

Maui is truly one of the most beautiful places on earth. I have to go back when I have more time to vacation, but I really saw some great college basketball. Most basketball fans know the story of the Tennessee sheriff, Buford Pusser, immortalized by Bo Svenson in the 1970’s, and more recently by Dwayne “The Rock Johnson” in the movies and television series: “Walking Tall.” It was certainly more Hollywood than fact, but it made me think of our Georgetown Hoyas coming to this prestigious, highly competitive tournament with so many questions. After the tournament, and an opening heartbreaking loss to Kansas, the young Hoya Team indeed held their heads high and “Walked Tall” in the 50th state of Hawaii. Jason Clark really lit the arena up with his shooting, defense, and hustle. The freshmen left notice that they are here to compete. However, what really stood out to me was the standout performance of senior Henry Sims--Where are you LicHoya? Especially in the last game against Memphis, Henry Sims was a tower of strength offensively, defensively, and on the boards. The Hoya fans were very vocal as the cheers Hoya Saxa resounded throughout the Lahaina Civic Center. Memphis is indeed a power in college basketball, but on that afternoon Henry Sims would not be denied as he shot the ball in rhythm, and thwarted each Memphis run with key plays. Yes, this Hoya team made important progress as the Big East season approaches. Memphis will be a formidable foe on December 22nd at Verizon Center so please come out to the game. You will enjoy seeing the pre-game video of Henry Sims, Jason Clark and the rest of the Hoyas as they tower over Washington DC--Georgetown’s Playground. On this Thanksgiving week, the Hoyas indeed were indeed Walking Tall on the island of Maui! I certainly hope we go back again soon!


On my way home I spent some time in Honolulu and ran into Hoya fans at the Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona Memorial, and Ralph Dalton in the Sheraton Waikiki. I also got to watch the Lady Hoyas defeat the Georgia Bulldogs in Las Vegas on my way back East with former Hoya alumni Chico Church, and Greg Monroe! I cannot wait to get back to Verizon Center!


We are Georgetown!


Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice President--Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

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