A DOUBLE HOYA'S BASKETBALL REPORT

A Journey to the Steel City! Hoya Saxa!

2012-01-28T08:33:00.000-08:00

It has been 5 years I believe since my trip to the Steel City, PA. I cannot believe the Pitt Panthers have had a 1-7 start in the Big East Conference. They have arguably been the most consistent top program in the Big East over the last dozen years. However, with their point guard healthy and a big win over the Providence Friars the Pitt Panthers look like a Top Ten team again, especially at the Pitt Zoo--one of the top venues in college basketball today.

I enjoyed a wonderful dinner last night with a great Hoya, a good friend, and Pitt native Art Murphy. Art is a regular at Verizon Center driving 4 hours back and forth to almost every game at Verizon Center. So playing at Pitt is certainly a timesaver for him. I am getting ready for a pre-game gathering of Hoyas before the 4:00 PM tipoff. I have always had great respect for Jamie Dixon and the tremendous job he has done taking over for Ben Howland and keeping their program at such a high level. Georgetown--Pitt games are throwbacks to the old Big East--Physical play, defense, and rebounding will decide the game as it does most games. Stay tuned for further updates.

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice President--Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Meet Me at Verizon Center--Hoya Saxa!!!

2012-01-04T19:04:00.000-08:00

Oh what a season this has become. This Hoya team continues to impress. An excellent Marquette team probably still has no idea what has hit them. Jason Clark willed us to win. Henry Sims was a tower of strength, and Hollis Thompson knocked down the big 3 pointers. I love watching this team! We are Georgetown!

Verizon Center--Our House

2011-12-12T20:18:00.000-08:00

Arrive Early & Wear Gray is the motto I try to live by for Georgetown home games. As the traffic worsens in DC this gets more and more difficult. The area around Verizon Center is growing by the minute as it has now become the hotbed for restaurants. I have a feeling this will be a very exciting season. I encourage everyone to try Luke's Lobster. They have the best crab and lobster rolls you will have anywhere! Hoya Saxa!

Walking Tall in Maui

2011-12-12T20:09:00.002-08:00

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

2011-12-12T20:09:00.001-08:00

Maui Invitational 2011 Day 2

2011-12-12T20:06:00.000-08:00

When you visit Maui you marvel at the beauty of nature, and you respect the great traditions of Maui, HI. It seems like almost yesterday when the Chaminade Silverswords shocked the #1 ranked college basketball team in the nation, led by player of the year Ralph Sampson, the University of Virginia aka the University of Ralph. It was the ultimate trap game for the UVA Cavaliers. I expect it to be another battle as our young Georgetown Hoyas face Chaminade in their backyard later this afternoon. Last night in losing a hard fought battle to the Kansas JayHawks I was encouraged by the great effort made by our young team. I am not fond of moral victories, but loved seeing Nate, Jason, Hollis & others dive after lose balls. I was a little concerned when I saw Henry Sims dive head first over the scorer’s table--we all admired the effort.

When yesterday started I was nervous all day as I am on most game days. I researched our history against the Kansas JayHawks on John Reagan’s Georgetown History Project and saw that we have only played Kansas once, on March 20, 1987 defeating Kansas in the Sweet Sixteen 70-57. True Georgetown basketball historians will know that this was the legendary Georgetown team known as “Reggie & the Miracles.” It seems like yesterday that I saw Reggie Williams, and Perry McDonald dominate the Derrick Coleman led Syracuse Orange and the Rick Pitino Providence Final Four team in Madison Square Garden winning another Big East Tournament Championship.

My day started as I hung out at the Westin Ono Grill by the pool enjoying my Hoya Blue drink and Maui Chili Dawg. The next thing I know is that I hear the cheer Hoya Saxa as a WAG shirt flies over my head. It was my friend Rich Chvotkin, the voice of the Georgetown Hoyas! It was great to see Rich as we were both staying in the Westin Maui which is a great hotel, but the HQ for the Kansas JayHawks. We were greatly outnumbered. Rich filled me in on his radio broadcast timetable as well as his history in Hawaii at the Maui Classic in 1999, and Georgetown’s many trips to the island of Oahu where he stayed at the Sheraton Wakiki. I will be at the Sheraton Wakiki on Thanksgiving Day for two nights before heading back East. I then took a walk to the Hyatt Regency along the beach walk hoping to find more Hoyas. I found some friends at the Hyatt Pool, and ran into Kim Curry, the GU MBB academic coordinator. Kim has that great smile, and wonderful outgoing personality that makes you want to be around her. As the afternoon was flying by I decided to take a drive to the arena so I would know my game route later that evening. TIme flew and I got to the pre-game reception meeting Steve Alleva to get my game day tickets. It was great to see the GU family including Blanton Jones, former Hoyas Unlimited Associate Director Mara Vandlik, Chris Haines (SB Nation), and many other Georgetown friends. It is always great to be surrounded by your Georgetown family. I met a few new friends, but did not get a chance to meet Jennifer Dotson from the GU Hawaii Club. I was hoping to see her but I needed to get to the arena--I need to arrive early to games for those who do not know me! Time was passing and I got a ride from my HHC Communications team member Joannah Graham and her husband Kevin. We got to the game very early and purchased some T shirts, and had some Cool Cat Cafe burgers. The Lahaina Civic Center let’s you buy and bring food in, but does not sell food in the arena. I was impressed by the organization as they brought the UCLA-Chaminade crowd out of the arena, and moved us in. There were no bad seats in the house in this tiny gym. As I mentioned we made a great effort, but the result was not what any Hoya fan wanted. Still the season is early, and I love this young Hoya team. Everyone gave a maximum effort, and I know Coach JT III will make sure his young players learn from this experience. We headed back to the Westin, and am now preparing for an 11:30 AM game against Chaminade, Hawaii Time (4:30 PM ET). As we say at Georgetown, we will live to battle another day. Chaminade will be another hard fought game. Hoya Saxa!

We are Georgetown!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club VP--Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Hoya Five O

2011-12-12T19:59:00.000-08:00

Ni Men Hao HoyaNation or should I say Aloha! I am now here in Maui, HI for the 2011-12 Maui Invitational--Go Hoyas! Hoya Fans from the 1980’s know the Legend of Jake Kurkijian and the Georgetown Hawaii Five-O routine. When coach JT Jr. wanted to lighten the atmosphere a little in the old Capital Centre, he asked Jake to do the Hawaii Five-O routine along with the cheerleaders and the pep band. Indeed it is all Dr. LicHoya can now speak about. When we celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the 1984 GU Men’s NCAA Championship Team, coach JT Jr. marveled at the slimmer Jake. Many people believe that the theme song from the original Hawaii Five-O series starring Jack Lord as Steve McGarrett is one of the greatest TV theme songs ever. I also love the new modern version of Hawaii Five O with Alex O’Loughlin playing McGarrett’s son, Steve McGarrett (a former Navy Seal)--actually named after his grandfather making him Steve McGarrett III? At Georgetown we truly love Legacies! In 2007 when Georgetown made a run to the Final Four in Atlanta, I got a call from one of the producers of the David Letterman show who was looking to find a video of the Hawaii Five-O Georgetown routine. CBS Sports had deleted all the commercials and other non-game coverage in their libraries and thus could not find any footage. After much research I ran into the same problem. Even friends who had taped every Hoya game, did not have a copy. Jake suggested that I search for coverage of the Syracuse game at Capital Centre in 1985 when the routine was shown on television. Alas, any video coverage appears to be lost, unless some Hoya fan reading this article has a copy? I think Dr. LicHoya would do anything to find a copy!

I am presently on a flight from Oakland, CA to Maui to see Georgetown play in the Maui Classic. What an outstanding field! The Hoyas will face the Kansas JayHawks on Monday night. Kansas is another legendary college basketball program boasting alumni such as Dean Smith, Wilt Chamberlain, and Danny Manning. Hawaii has always been a dream trip for me, and to share it with my Georgetown family over the Thanksgiving Holiday will be very special. My road trip started on Friday of this week when I travelled from my home in New York City to San Francisco. I flew from JFK on Virgin America--the party airline and got a free Google Chrome Netbook with free WIFI to use during the flight. I had a wonderful two days in the CIty by the Bay staying at my favorite SF hotel, the Westin St. Francis where much of the movie the Maltese Falcon was filmed. The clock and the memorabilia around the hotel are all very impressive. Whenever, I am there I can almost feel the presence of the many former US Presidents, Mary Astor, and Humphrey Bogart who played Sam Spade. Two days brought back wonderful memories of one of the great Georgetown John Carroll weekends that I attended just six months ago. I had little time though, and went to some of my favorite SF restaurants: Sears Fine Foods, Tartine’s Bakery, Zachary’s Pizza, Koi Palace, and R&G Lounge. Every time that I go to R&G Lounge I enjoy my Salt N Pepper Dungeness Crab chatting with the day managers about Georgetown basketball. However, this past Friday night they were more interested in talking about their “Big Game,” the Stanford--CAL Berkeley football game. In fact it seemed like a Stanford/Silicon Valley/ Asian Society NIght at R&G Lounge. As SF Chinatown evolves there is a dramatic contrast between the old school Chinatown and restaurants like R&G which had put in some new fancy interactive video screens. As I chatted with the manager, and the owner who have become friends, the cheer: “NOT OUR RIVALS,” kept running in my head. Oh how I love this restaurant. I hope Anthony Bourdain is a Hoya fan! I wonder where Mr. Bourdain dines while in Maui? The other great Asian restaurant I visited was Koi Palace in Daly City dim sum there on Saturday afternoon. The dim sum is the freshest and best I have ever had anywhere in the world. I was running late though, and I needed to get back to my hotel before having dinner with my GU classmate Chris Huppert in Piedmont, CA. The traffic and the holiday shoppers made driving in downtown SF near Union Square a real adventure. With an order of har gao just arriving I pointed and instructed my waitress: “Da Bao.” I watched the Stanford-CAL game enjoying some Zachary’s Chicago-style pizza, and Tartine’s lemon tarts. It was a great game, but my mind was on the Maui Classic and Georgetown’s game with Kansas. I cannot wait to see our young Hoya freshman play against Kansas‘ massive front line--The Big East & Georgetown comes to the West!

On my flight to Maui, I was seated with an Asian family from SF with a bunch of nice kids that remind me of my niece and nephew, Hoya Kids Club members Sophia (Miss Disney) and Alex (All-Madden) Wong. They turned me on to my new addiction--dried wasabi seaweed! It is even healthy! It is amazing how good these kids are with the iPAD and IPOD games.

Stay tuned from my coverage (HHC Blog, Fadebook & Twitter) of the Maui Classic and the Hawaiian Islands! I look forward to meeting many new Georgetown fans and alumni in Maui! Please come and say Aloha!

Here is an update for GU fans in Maui:

Pre-Game Reception

Monday, November 21 at 5 p.m.

Umalu Bar at Hyatt Regency

Before Georgetown's opening game against #11 Kansas on Monday night, join your fellow Hoya fans for a pre-game reception at the Umalu Bar at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa (200 Nohea Kai Drive, Lahaina, HI 96761). The pre-game reception will begin at 5 p.m. The game tips-off at 7 p.m. The Hyatt is only 1.8 miles from the Lahaina Civic Center (1840 Honoapiilani Hwy, Lahaina, HI 96761).

Georgetown's games on Tuesday and Wednesday will be determined by the outcome of the team's previous games. For the Maui Invitational bracket, please visit http://www.mauiinvitational.com/sites/default/files/2011%20EA%20SPORTS%20Maui%20Invitational%20Bracket_0.pdf. More information will be sent out by e-mail about pre- and/or post-game receptions once times/opponents have been determined.

For updates follow the Hoya Hoop Club on Facebook and Twitter at:

www.facebook.com/HoyaHoopClub & @HoyaHoopClub.

Mahalo & Hoya Saxa!

We are Georgetown!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President--Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Getting Ready for the Maui Invitational

2011-11-16T21:29:00.000-08:00

It has always been a lifelong dream of mine to make a trip to Hawaii. While I have always wanted to go there on my honeymoon, perhaps that can still happen one day. In the mean time a trip to see some Georgetown Basketball, and stay in a beautiful Westin Resort is another dream come true. While I will miss the turkey on Thanksgiving, I cannot wait to walk the beaches of Maui, and Honolulu. As for the basketball I have always been very old school when it comes to early season scheduling. I would contend that it is important to have a good mix of early season contests to prepare for the season. After all, it is the post-season that is really important. I am truly intrigued by this year's freshman class especially Otto Porter and Greg Whittington. These two can really play and have a large upside. Well, I need to start packing but stay posted for some great stories!

Meet Me at Verizon Center--Hoya Saxa!!!

2011-11-10T04:09:00.000-08:00

It seems like an eternity since the end of the Nike Pro City League aka Kenner League at McDonough Gymnasium. It is no secret that I have had severe basketball withdrawals since then. I cannot wait to see the new freshmen--Otto Porter, Jabril Trawick, Tyler Adams, Greg Whittington, and Mikael Adams. I believe this is a freshman class that will really surprise people. I really look forward to seeing the Seniors: Jason Clark and Henry Sims. They are two of the nicest young men that you will ever meet. They both are very talented and I am hoping they will have great senior years. Henry is from Baltimore, and Jason from O'Connell high school in Virginia right across the Key Bridge and up I-66. Good luck to Jason, Henry, et al. I have to see if Henry can hear the cheers from LicHoya his biggest fan!

As the Fall flies by and the basketball season starts I prepare for my trip tonight from the island of Manhattan back to the Hilltop. I am ready for a weekend of the Tombs, the Avalon, and Wisemiller's. I also look forward to seeing some of the new restaurants that will be opening up on 7th Street like Luke's Lobster and Wagamama's! Yes, Ted Leonsis must be smiling with the rebirth of the Verizon Center/Chinatown area. Indeed, I need to schedule my Chinatown meetings at Tony Cheng's! There is too much to do! I hope to see everyone at Verizon Center on Saturday. Please come by the Hoya Hoop Club Table by Section 120 to say hello. I cannot wait to see the new Hoya introductions! At 12:00 Noon on Saturday November 12th I will hear the sounds that I have been waiting to here: "Let's Play Ball!" "Hoya Saxa" will resound around the country from New York to Hawaii, and from Syracuse to Miami!

We are Georgetown!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Vice-President Hoya Hoop Club & Director of Communications

The Modern Era of College Basketball & Georgetown: The Beast of the East

2011-10-14T02:42:00.000-07:00

Let the Madness Begin: I would contend that if you created all-star teams from each school during the modern era, there have been 3 programs at the top of the list including the Georgetown Hoyas. The other two schools do not include UCONN or Syracuse. They do not even include Duke University. Without naming names the other schools reside in Westwood, and the other is the alma mater of his Airness. When you think about Hoya basketball you think of the players: Ewing, Mourning, Mutombo, Iverson, McDonald, Spriggs, Harrington, Williams, Jackson, Wingate, Floyd, Smith, Tagliabue, Barry, Duren, Shelton, Green, Hibbert, Monroe, Graham, and Sweetney. Georgetown has been the leader and through its innovation, and pressure defense has changed the way basketball is played. Georgetown helped found the Big East conference. I am concerned as everyone else is about the future of the Big East conference. Nobody can predict what will happen next for the Big East. JT III, Lee Reed and the athletic department believe it is key for Georgetown to remain a top program in college basketball. Georgetown University is one of the schools that made the Big East conference what it is. Let's keep the faith and remember that: We are Georgetown!

Hoya Saxa!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President & Director of Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Countdown to Midnight Madness Final Week: Dikembe Mutomobo & HHC on Roundball: Man to Man Defense

2011-10-09T20:11:00.000-07:00

One of the most famous international basketball players in history came from the Institut Bobotoin Kinshasa, Congo. His name was Dikembe Mutombo Mpolondo Mukamba Jean Jacque Wamutombo. His fans on the Hilltop and throughout the world now him as Mutombo! He graduated from Georgetown in 1991 standing 7-2 with a smile that would light up the world. I remember hearing about this project of a player who could not even dominate GU intramural basketball in Yates Field House, who would go on to legendary status in the Kenner Summer League. Indeed a young Jim Calhoun from UCONN would send many scouts to McDonough Gymnasium to see Dikembe block shots and score all of his points on dunks. Indeed Dikembe teamed with Alonzo Mourning in the years when Georgetown truly became Big Man U: Patrick Ewing to Alonzo Mourning to Dikembe Mutombo--the Legend Grew. The stories about Dikembe Mutombo throughout Georgetown University truly became the stories of legend. He hung out at the Tombs when he was not taking an early morning run to the Washington Monument and back. Even Coach John Thompson, Jr. would wear a cowboy hat to practice to take a playful jab at Dikembe's antics on campus. Mutombo will perhaps one day enter the NBA Hall of Fame. As great as his legend on the court became, he will best be remembered for his great humanitarian work in his African homeland raising money for a new hospital to care for those less fortunate. Dikembe Mutombo is a great example of the Georgetown Jesuit Ideal: Men and Women for Others--Dikembe: You have made us proud.

To see some highlights of Dikembe Mutombo go to:

http://youtu.be/Xc0HALrWrXs

Hoya Hoop Club on Roundball: Man to Man Defense

http://youtu.be/eP2nBwYdHek

We are Georgetown!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice President--Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Countdown to Midnight Madness Week 3 Boubacar Aw; HHC on Roundball: The Triangle Drill

2011-10-01T08:39:00.000-07:00

Boubacar Aw

AB 1998
Hometown: Thies, Senegal
High School: Waccamaw (NC)
Position: Forward
Height: 6-7
Weight: 225
Years on Team: 1994-98

Highlights:
Career Scoring By Decade, #9
Career Rebounds, #26
Career Points, #48
Team Captain, 1998

Boubacar Aw came to GU as an athletic defensive specialist who became quite an offensive threat. He teamed with Jerome Williams giving the Hoyas a tremendous rebounding team. If he was not overshadowed offensively by Allen Iverson and Victor Page, he would be way up the line in the scoring records. His performance against #1 UCONN at US Air Arena allowed Allen Iverson to dominate Ray Allen and the Huskies. Boubacar was a typical physical presence
that was a signature of the JT Jr era. Thanks for the memories--Hoya Saxa!

Triangle Drill:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lSihVPTm3k

Dr. Thomas A. Wong
Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President & Director of Communications
Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Countdown to Midnight Madness Week 2 Victor Samnick; HHC on Roundball: The Overload Offense vs the 2-3 Zone

2011-09-12T04:44:00.000-07:00

Victor Samnick was a 6 ft 8 inch forward out of the Cameroon via the Newport Prep School. I remember his long arms and active smile. My greatest memory of him was inbounding the ball to Nat Burton in the 2001 NCAA Tournament first round game against Arkansas. The play eventually let to Nat Burton scoring a wrap around layup at the buzzer to give Georgetown its first NCAA win in four years helping to launch Generation Burton in 2001. Victor would go onto play professional ball in France winning several championships. For those of you who speak French you can see the highlight film below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lQecbJqwlE

Victor Samnick

BSBA 2003
Home Town/High School: Doala, Cameroon via Newport (MD) Prep
Lettered: 2000,01,02,03
Jersey Number: 13
Position: Forward
Height: 6-8

Year     G   FG       FT    REB AST STL BLK PTS AVG. 1999-00 29  52-144   22-49  129  25  19  21 126  4.3 2000-01 33  49-121   25-39  113  23  16  13 125  3.8 2001-02 17  37-88    23-30   78  21  17  17  98  5.8 2002-03 32  71-165   57-77  127  24  37  20 174  5.4 Totals 111 209-518  127-195 447  93  89  71 523  4.7

Hoya Hoop Club on Roundball: The Overload offense versus the 2-3 Zone defense:

A Look at the 2-3 Zone often used by the Syracuse Orange and the Overload Offense often used to attack the 2-3 Zone.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfZzmPDbrd4

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President & Director of Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Countdown to Midnight Madness Week 1 Sead Dizdarevic & HHC on Roundball: The Ball Screen

2011-09-05T18:40:00.000-07:00

Sead Dizdarevic has distinguished himself as a great Hoya both as an integral part of Georgetown's Final Four Team of 2007, and by his many accomplishments off the court. Sead was born in Bijelo Polje, Montenegro the son of Besim and Lidija Dizdarevic. He lived with his host family of Aaron and Rebecca Toto while at North Highland High School in California. He has two sisters Amra and Alma, and one brother Emir. In 2008 he founded the Basketball Diplomacy Project in Montenegro, where current and former Hoya players have run clinics in Montenegro. Stay tuned to our future communications that will highlight this summer's basketball clinics. Today Sead is a Senior Security Analyst at Fannie Mae, and a board member of the Hoya Hoop Club. We look forward to following Sead's future accomplishments.

Hoya Hoop Club on Roundball:

During the 2011-12 Basketball Season we will focus on various aspects and trends in the game of basketball. We will certainly look at the Princeton offense, the Four Corners & Double Stack, as well as numerous zone and man-to-man defensive strategies. We will also look at rule changes and how they have affected college basketball. In recent years the "Ball Screen" has become one of the most used and perhaps overused plays in college basketball. In the following video, Hall of Fame coach Bob Knight explains the basics of the Ball Screen:

Have a good week as the Countdown to Midnight Madness Continues! Hoya Saxa!

We are Georgetown!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President & Director of Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Life Lessons From The Greatest Game Ever Invented

2011-08-28T13:55:00.000-07:00

As a Double Hoya and an Asian-American I have lived my entire life loving the game of basketball. When I walked into Healey Circle during New Student Orientation this weekend, I experienced the same excitement that I had as an incoming freshman. Indeed former GU President Tim Healey's voice still lives on in me and my fellow Hoya classmates. As I walk to work every day through Bryant Park I think of Father Healey and his work with the NY Public Library and Bryant Park. As I visited my parents in Maryland this weekend, I went to the AFI Silver Spring Theatre to see my favorite basketball movie, Hoosiers, on the big screen. It is indeed a classic. I marvel at the passion that the residents of the small town of Hickory, Indiana have for the game of basketball. As Dennis Hopper tells Gene Hackman, he knows everything there is to know about the greatest game ever invented. Moreover, the movie is about second chances, and how we as individuals are defined by our actions. The naive Barbara Hershey does not understand why every game her brother ever played was the most important thing that ever happened to her family. It is not until she sees how Gene Hackman, Dennis Hopper, and her pupil Jimmie Chitwood get a second chance in life does she really begin to see why she is always drawn back to her home town. Indeed basketball is the greatest game because of its emphasis on teamwork, and its rare combination of athleticism, and strategy. You can fall behind and have a chance to come back, to rally, and redefine yourself through resilience and a team emphasis.

As I saw the highlights and tried to understand what happened in the Georgetown Hoyas trip to China, I marveled at the leadership Coach JT III and our coaching staff displayed. Indeed, they put the incident behind them and concentrated on the bigger picture. There was more at stake than just a basketball game. Indeed two nations found that they had more in common than they had differences. Indeed diplomacy, and goodwill won out. The Hoyas trip to China was more than just a basketball trip. The Jesuit principles of Men and Women for Others, and Cura Personalis were what came through. Yes two cultures, and groups of people learned some valuable life lessons from the Greatest Game Ever Invented.

For some pictures of the Georgetown trip to China from Super Hoya Fan Rich Hluchan see our

Hoyas in China Trailer at:

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150290238119244&oid=108495557266&comments

For the full view of pictures go to:

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150290278864244&oid=108495557266&comments

We are Georgetown!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President & Director of Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Weathering the Storm--Hurricanes & Mother Nature.

2011-08-27T22:13:00.000-07:00

Agnes, Hugo, Andrew, Dennis, Katrina, and now Irene are the hurricanes burned into my consciousness. It is a humbling experience to know that you cannot fight Mother Nature. As I sit in my parents home this evening and thank the Lord for my parents and brother installing the backup generators a few months ago, I am humbled as we all are by the power of Mother Nature. We have come a long way. Technology and science allow me to do now things I had never dreamed about as a child. Yet we must understand that we are only one part of this planet--this universe. I am in DC not my residence in New York City because of Georgetown's Board of Governors meeting on Friday. I elected not to return on Saturday simply because it seems like NYC is being evacuated. Every year at Board of Governors meetings we seem to have major storms. Last year we had the Big Ice Storm, and two years ago the Snowpocalypse during the GU--Villanova game.

As my beloved Georgetown Hoyas became involved in the Brawl in China, I had many mixed feelings as an Asian-American. I was relieved that my alma mater Georgetown was clearly not the aggressor and instigator of the big fight. I was honestly embarrassed by the behavior of the Chinese Army team, the referees, and the Chinese police. To everyone's credit especially Coach JTIII it appears that this has been turned to a positive experience. Often I have sat at work meetings where a love-fest breaks out which is not genuine to say the least. I pray that I will be able to safely get back to the island of Manhattan this week and continue my work schedule. I pray that everyone survives Hurrican Irene and has a safe few days.

We are Georgetown!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President & Director of Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

A Double Hoya's All-Time Kenner League Team

2011-08-06T06:46:00.000-07:00

The league is now officially called the Nike Pro City League, but I am going to use the Kenner League name when picking my personal all-time team. I have actually attended games every year since the Kenner League started in McDonough gymnasium. Some years I have been able to attend more games than in other years. Please take note that these are my own picks for an all-time team. I am making these choices based on their performance for an entire summer, and these are only players I have seen play in the summer league in person. To be fair there are a few players I have not seen--a very small number. Anyway, here are my picks for the greatest players in the history of the Kenner League:

Center--Patrick Ewing: The greatest player in Georgetown Basketball history. There was never anyone in his league to face him in the Kenner League. He truly controlled the air above the rim, and after his freshman year dominated the Kenner League.

Forward--Dikembe Mutombo--I know he always played center but I am calling the shots with these selections! Actually, he was listed as a 5 ft. 9 inch point guard in the program much to the confusion of the many Syracuse and UCONN spies in McDonough gymnasium. In Jim Calhoun's earlier years he had many of his assistant coaches in the stands. Dikembe was perhaps the most improved player I have ever seen in the Kenner League as he began the summer as a very clumsy player, and then became a shot-blocking, dunking machine. If they ever kept official stats Dikembe probably had more dunks in single games than anyone. Oh did I love his enthusiasm.

Forward--Michael Graham: The man who helped bring the 1984 NCAA Championship to the Hilltop. He was the most ferocious power forward to play in the Kenner League. When you consider John Turner--Mr. Highlights and others this is saying quite a bit. To see him as an incoming freshmen play against dozens of All-ACC power forwards and make them look like timid school children was truly inspiring. If you saw these performances you would not be surprised that he single-handedly intimidated Kentucky and their twin towers in the NCAA Final Four. As ESPN has said, he was truly the baddest, baldest dude to ever play in the Kenner League.

Guard--Reggie Williams. Yes Reggie "Russ" Williams was the top rated high school player in the nation, and his much anticipated play in the Kenner League was not disappointing. Since his play on the Baltimore Dunbar Poets he had been heralded as the second-coming of George Gervin. His Baltimore Dunbar HS team with fellow Hoya David Wingate, and several future NBA stars was arguably the greatest high school team ever assembled. What impressed me more than anything was at 6' 8" he could handle the ball like a point guard and his height and passing ability opened the court up as nobody else could. The Tombs with future Hoyas teammates Pat Ewing and freshman to be Michael Graham was the best team I have ever seen in the Kenner League hands down!

Guard--Allen Iverson. Allen "The Answer--Bubbachuck" Iverson was truly the most exciting performer in the history of the Kenner League. McDonough was abuzz with excitement like I have never seen before, and probably never will. When he debuted he had not been seen on the basketball court for some time, and there were only rumors that he would attend Georgetown. The gym at that time could accomodate closer to 4000 people and they were packed in everywhere. For the playoffs fans were getting to their seats 2 hours early to get seats. Allen Iverson put on some of the greatest offensive outbursts I have ever seen. He would often start drilling four or 5 3-pointers in a row and then alley-oop dunking over 7 foot All-Americans like they were kindergarteners! If you saw these performances you would not be surprised that he was the only person to ever posterize the great Michael Jordan on ESPN video for the ages. Yes, his double cross-over and jump shot against the greatest basketball player ever is something for the ages. If you had the opportunity to see Allen Iverson in the Kenner League you truly saw some of the greatest playground performances in history.

Enjoy the Nike Pro City League Playoff this weekend. I hope to see many of you in the stands.

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President and Director of Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

48 Hours--A Tale of Two Cities & a Rivalry for the Ages

2011-07-30T06:45:00.000-07:00

48 Hours until I move my residence from my birthplace city of Washington, D.C. to my second home New York City. I will continue to rack up the Guest Rewards miles on Amtrak. Thank Goodness for summer league basketball. I have to ask everyone at the Nike Pro City League to be patient with me, because it is hard for me not to refer to their league as the Kenner League! Anyway, I will see my Hoya Hoop Club communications group in a few hours in nicely air conditioned McDonough gymnasium. I did some shopping yesterday at the Georgetown bookstore making sure my new Manhattan apartment is properly decorated in Blue and Gray. Anyway, as I chat with my buddy Rich Chvotkin during games this weekend, we often talk about the great rivalries in the Big East and college basketball at large. There has been much publicity about the Georgetown--Syracuse rivalry over the last few years. However, with the arrival of Steve Lavin and the rise of St. John's (I still call them the Redmen sometimes because the Red Storm has no meaning for me), I will remind the HoyaNation of the great history of the Georgetown--St. John's rivalry. We have several athletic department staff who have come from St. John's like former AD Joe Lang. I will argue that the Georgetown--St. John's rivalry in the mid 1980's was the fiercest rivalry I have ever seen. When the players from John Duren, Craig Shelton, Gene Smith, Fred Brown, David Wingate, and Reggie Williams battled Billy Goodwin, Chris Mullin, Walter Berry, Billy Wennington, and Mark Jackson it was truly DC basketball vs. New York city basketball. A game between Georgetown and St. John's from 1983-1986 was really like going to a Heavyweight Championship Fight. It was like seeing Ali-Frazier!

Yes after a month in my new job at the University Eye Center in Manhattan, I am really enjoying being back at my other alma mater--The SUNY State College of Optometry!. August 1st is move-in day, Tuesday will be a busy work day including an evening meeting with the Georgetown Alumni Club of Metro New York. I am excited to decorate my apartment in the Blue and Gray. I will be living right in between the New York Public Library and Madison Square Garden. As I look at how beautiful Bryant Park is, I am thankful that its beautification is largely due to my mentor, and friend former GU & NY Public Library President Tim Healy, S.J.--A Man for Others! As I make my frequent walk from Penn Station & Madison Square Garden to Bryant Park I can hear the echoes in my head: Hoyas Win! Hoyas Win! & Hoya Saxa! Hoya Saxa filling the Avenues in the City!

Stay Cool Everyone!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President & Director of Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

The Greatest Game Ever Invented III

2011-07-25T06:13:00.000-07:00

Da jia hao! Oh how McDonough Gymnasium has given many a basketball fan welcome relief from the Heat Wave of 2011, and some memorable basketball moments. I once again saw my favorite basketball movie Hoosiers the other night on Verizon FIOS as I am about to change to Time Warner in my new Manhattan apartment. I love the scenes where Dennis Hopper says, "I know everything there is to know about the greatest game ever invented!" Also, when Barbara Hershey tells Gene Hackman who plays Coach Norman Dale, "Every game my brother played was the most important thing that ever happened to this family. I just don't get it!" As true basketball junkies who live to see the next game we all understand why this is such a naive question! Please follow our HHC Blogmaster's extensive coverage of the Nike Pro City League at McDonough arena this summer. It is hard to believe there are only two weekends left. This past Saturday night the Tombs rocketed out to a huge lead behind impressive freshmen performances, especially the performance of Michael Hopkins who had 17+ points in the first half. However former Hoya and current Boston Celtic star Jeff Green schooled the young Tombs team at the end of the game. Indeed it has been a great summer of basketball on the Hilltop--the Epicenter of College Basketball in the known world. We are only a little over two weeks from Georgetown Basketball's China trip. Make sure you join our Hoya Hoop Club Fan Page for the most comprehensive information on our basketball program. You can join the Fan Page at: www.facebook.com/HoyaHoopClub

We will be sending you feeds on the team's trip to China. You can go to HoyasInChina to sign up directly for the information on the games, and the trip. As I have just started a new job in Manhattan I cannot attend the trip to China. However, we will keep you informed. I am hoping LicHoya will take care of the yelping in China!

We are Georgetown! Hoya Saxa!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President & Director of Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

A Look at Hardship Status

2011-04-23T06:50:00.000-07:00

I have never been in favor of players leaving college early for the NBA. Most often players are not physically, mentally, and emotionally ready for the NBA. However, discussion of rule changes to prevent this have never been in my opinion the correct way to approach the issue. If someone can enter the military, it is hard to argue they should not be allowed into the NBA.

What will be the state of college basketball be in a few years? I am hoping the game I love will still be going strong. Things are changing rapidly though.

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Director of Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

The Capital Classic

2011-04-18T04:28:00.000-07:00

My friends Pam and Evan Chvotkin did a wonderful job putting the Capital Classic together at the last minute. It is amazing what a few people can accomplish in a short time. I was surprised they were able to get so many good players to commit on such short notice. However, it was obvious this event has been in decline since Nike and Michael Jordan moved their money to the Jordan Classic in NYC and this year in Charlotte, NC. I am hoping the event will move back into DC as it was last year at American University. How about trying to combine this with the Charm City Classic! Let's make this a prime time event again & play some defense!

We are Georgetown!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President & Director of Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Time For Rule Changes?

2011-04-11T07:21:00.000-07:00

I have always been in favor of adopting International rules. It is too bad Red Auerbach is still not around. He could always get rule changes to the table. I particularly think the longer 3-point line, and the 30 second shot would make sense. It is strange that the women have a 30 second shot, and the men have a 35 second shot. I agree with Bob Knight that the ball screen is overused today. It is wonderful that there is great parity in men's college basketball today. However, I agree with others that it tends towards more mediocrity and not necessarily better basketball. This year's NCAA final game was by far the worst final I have seen in my entire life. It makes you wonder what is more important today--the NCAA tournament, or the local AAU teams. I hope there are some rule changes soon!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President and Director of Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Hoya Bracketology

2011-03-17T07:12:00.000-07:00

The NCAA Tournament is the heart of March Madness, and is what every college basketball team in America plays for. The office NCAA pools have evolved to the science of Bracketology? My Georgetown psychology professor would cringe if he heard me even speaking about Bracketology being a science. Indeed Bracketology is even more absurd than the college basketball polls that start in the preseason. However, they are fun and give us Georgetown alumni & fans a chance to relive our years on the Hilltop. It seems like only yesterday that I lived in Village A and spent many days and evenings in Yates Field House playing pick up basketball. Every Hoya basketball gym rat in those days dreamed of playing with John Duren, Craig Shelton, and Gene Smith. We dreamed of dishing the rock to Sleepy Floyd for a rainbow jumper, and serving up an alley-oop pass to Patrick Ewing! Yes, Bracketology gives us a chance to live our dreams, and fight for alma mater! Hoya Saxa!

On my way to New York City and Madison Square Garden last week, I thought about how my return trip to D.C., and Leo O’Donovan Hall for the NCAA Selection show on Sunday has become part of my yearly ritual. I look forward to the pizza, salsa & chips, and the discussion of road trip sites. When our selection to play the VCU/USC winner in Chicago came, a big cheer resounded on the Hilltop! Chicago is an easy trip from DC, and is a city with a large alumni base. Now that we know we are playing a very talented VCU team we can focus on our opponent. As Gene Hackman states so well in the movie “Hoosiers,” it is important to only speak about the immediate opponent, and not to discuss potential future opponents. Indeed all Georgetown basketball fans are somewhat superstitious by nature and can understand this. The day after our men’s basketball selection show I I attended our Hoya women’s basketball selection show at the Faculty Club in the Leavey Center. There was a great crowd, and everyone was enjoying some tacos and fajitas. Once again the Lady Hoyas opponent was announced at the very end of the show like the men’s team. The Lady Hoyas would face the Princeton Tigers in College Park this Sunday at 2:30 PM. For all Hoya fans in the D.C. area this will be a great game to attend. My immediate reaction was being thankful that the women were playing Princeton and not the men. Coach JT III I am sure would not be happy if he had to play his former team Princeton, led by former Hoya assistant coach Sidney Johnson.

If you are in Chicago for the men’s game on Friday at 9:45 PM, please attend our NCAA Kickoff Party at the Swissotel (Hoya Headquarters at 323 East Wacker Drive) from 4-6 PM before heading to the United Center.

If you have not seen my picture albums for the Men’s & Women’s NCAA Selection Shows on the Hoya Hoop Club Facebook Page please go to:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?id=108495557266&aid=283523

Remember to join our Hoya Hoop Club Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/HoyaHoopClub and our HHC Twitter Feed at @HoyaHoopClub for the most comprehensive coverage of Georgetown Men’s Basketball and the Hoya Hoop Club.

Let the Madness Begin! We are Georgetown! Hoya Saxa!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President & Director of Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Madison Square Garden IV--The World's Most Famous Arena

2011-03-07T19:06:00.000-08:00

The Big East Tournament in Madison Square Garden (the current Garden is often referred to as MSG IV or the 4th incarnation of MSG) is one of the highlights of the college basketball season. A week's worth of basketball in the world's greatest City is an event every great basketball fan needs to experience. Indeed Madison Square Garden has always been Georgetown's home away from home. As I think about Chris Wright's unfortunate injury, I remember the 1993-94 season when Georgetown shocked everyone with a run to the Big East Final. I remember Hoya fans rocking the old Blue seats in Madison Square Garden. In fact whenever I enter the Garden I can still hear that fan behind me screaming at the top of his lungs: "Joey Brown--Morgan City, Louisiana!" That is a cheer I will never forget. Indeed Joey Brown is one of my all-time favorite Hoyas! At only 5'9" Joey was a ferocious defender who was always a clutch shooter with the game on the line.

The first Madison Square Garden was opened in 1879 in a former hippodrome at the northeast corner of Madison Avenue and 26th Streets. The original Garden hosted the Democratic National Convention as well as both the Barnum and Ringling's circuses. The second version of Madison Square Garden was built in the same location by a syndicate of J.P. Morgan, P.T. Barnum, Andrew Carnegie, Darius Mills, James Stillman, and W. W. Astor. The Garden has an unprecedented history of boxing matches including 32 world championship fights between1925-1945. Indeed Ali-Frazier I in 1971 was perhaps the first major sporting event of my childhood. Although there is much debate on actual dates, it is commonly accepted that both the first college and professional basketball games were played at Madison Square Garden. Indeed the first professional game was won by the Original Celtics. The current home of the Big East tournament, Madison Square Garden is where basketball began--The Mecca!

From the days when I lived on West 21st Street I loved to visit Madison Square Park. Madison Square Garden--The World's Most Famous Arena is my favorite place to watch a ball game. I can still remember my First Big East Tournament when we defeated #2 ranked St. John's University which featured future NBA stars Chris Mullin, Bill Wennington, Mark Jackson, and Walter Berry. The game was the closest thing to a heavyweight fight I have ever seen, as the cheers of Hoya Saxa sounded throughout the 5 boroughs. I remember our last BET title in 2007 as we defeated Pitt--I got to share this with the Hoya Hoop Club Blogmaster John Hawkes. I always look forward to seeing former AD's Frank Rienzo and Joe Lang. I often run into Frank Rienzo at the Church of St. Francis. We both love the movie the Godfather along with Hall of Fame Coach John Thompson, Jr. I remember discussing games and the Big East conference with Joe Lang. Joe used to tell me that Frank McGuire at St. John's would tell him that the blue seats in the Garden up high were the best place to see the game, as you could see the plays develop and players free themselves for open shots.

Indeed I better get packing! My train leaves in about 8 hours. On Wednesday we will play the winner of the UCONN--DePaul game. After this crazy Big East season, I will not comment on who I think will win. If you are coming to the games or are in New York City, drop by the Affinia Hotel before doubleheader sessions at the Hoya Headquarters. We will have a Hoya Hoop Club reception at 5:00 PM on Wednesday March 9th with AD Lee Reed at Stout NYC.

P.S. Please follow our coverage on Facebook and Twitter throughout the week:

Facebook.com/HoyaHoopClub

Twitter: @HoyaHoopClub

Restaurant Reviews at: doublehoya.yelp.com

I may even share what is on my iPOD!

Let's Play Ball--We are Georgetown!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President & Director of Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Georgetown Beats Syracuse

2011-02-09T19:05:00.000-08:00

All is right with the world. We hear about global warming, and then we had three major blizzards in DC last year. I finished seeing patients today, and walked out of my office to see Pennsylvania Avenue blocked to traffic in front of the White House as it has been for many years. Many days I wake up and wonder what is going on in the world. If Pythagoras were still alive I would tell him that his Pythagorean theorem still holds, and as Michael Wilbon has often said, & "Georgetown beats Syracuse!"

We are Georgetown! Hoya Saxa!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President & Director of Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Not Our Rivals--We are Georgetown--Crush the Orange!

2011-02-07T19:29:00.000-08:00

Rivalry Week--Is it something designed by ESPN or is it part of the fabric of college basketball. I have vague remembrances of my days living on 4th Loyola in my freshman year at Georgetown. I remember the start of Rivalry week as we talked about Georgetown playing Maryland, UCLA against Notre Dame, and North Carolina against NC State. Indeed it was the year before Georgetown closed down Manley Field House, and three years before Georgetown played North Carolina for the National Championship. I remember telling several of my classmates from Syracuse, New York that Georgetown would defeat the Orangemen at Cole Field House for the automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. They looked at me with disbelief. Indeed in spite of the Orange's formidable front line of Roosevelt Bouie and Louis Orr, their backcourt led by Marty Headd would be no match for John Duren and Eric "Sleepy" Floyd. Indeed I looked like a basketball genius as John Thompson would begin his decade long domination of Jim Boeheim and the Syracuse Orange. Indeed Georgetown has many opponents we could consider rivals over the years: Maryland, DePaul, St. John's, Duke, and North Carolina. As I sat at Comcast Center last week with my brother as he told me that Duke-Maryland was a bigger rivalry than Duke-North Carolina? I certainly know it is a great rivalry, but do not agree that it is as big as Duke-UNC! In fact a rivalry is often characterized by never having to state it! Good luck to Georgetown in Rivalry Week!

We are Georgetown! Crush the Orange!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President & Director of Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Happy Chinese New Year--The Year of the Rabbit

2011-02-01T11:58:00.000-08:00

What a basketball season we have had. Few people realize how much the Chinese love the game of basketball. Oh how I loved our victory over Louisville on Monday at Verizon Center. Defeating Rick Pitino and the run and gun Cardinals. After Georgetown's three game losing streak early in the Big East season, many had written the Hoyas off. Indeed it is a long season. I am hoping the improved defense and rebounding will continue. I am hoping the DC community will embrace this Hoya team. Come out this Saturday to see the Hoyas play Providence. These are the two schools that founded the Big East Conference--the object of a great deal of personal envy from fans of other conferences. I am hoping true basketball fans will come out to see the Hoyas--Come to Chinatown!

We are Georgetown!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President & Director of Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Return to South Philadelphia

2011-01-30T19:57:00.000-08:00

Georgetown against Villanova: Need I say more. There is nowhere in the county I can go without seeing T shirts saying how much Villanova fans hate Georgetown. As we know envy can be a dangerous emotion. Anyway, I would not miss the short drive up I-95 to see this Big East battle. It seemed like only yesterday, the Hoyas had lost a tough ball game with Temple on Broad Street. As soon as I entered sky box 16 at Wells Fargo Arena I knew this would be a different day. I ran into my good friend Ashley Darcy and her fiancee Kevin Mahoney. Ashley was wearing the jersey of one of my favorite Hoyas #33 Alonzo Mourning! The mood in the box was electric. I saw my good Philly friends Rich Hluchan, Jack McNamara and their families. The game was your typical Villanova--Georgetown war.

The story of the first half to me was Henry Sims and Nate Lubick. It was obvious that Georgetown had a renewed energy for their team defense. They were ready for Villanova's tall, athletic front court. Henry Sims had a great half, and his offensive moves kept a 5-6 point lead for the Hoyas. His defense and rebounding were what impressed me though. In the second half I got a little nervous as Villanova made several runs to the delight of the crowd. However, Julian Vaughan played wonderfully on defense, and at the free throw line. Nate Lubick made the HoyaNation proud with his blue collar work. I loved the way the Hoyas battled in the second half. Needless to say Austin Freeman had his swagger back as he scored on his defenders often at will. Chris Wright struggled a little on offense, but had the heart of a champion with his tough defense. His splitting of the Nova double team late in the game to find Austin Freeman will go down in the annals of Georgetown basketball as one of our great moments. Austin drained the rainbow three-pointer from the corner to beat the shot clock. Austin's falling backwards bank shot from the right side was the stuff of legend. Georgetown would not be denied this evening. As I left the arena to head back to Georgetown I saw a friendly face in the parking lot--Chris Wright's father. I shared with him how happy I was to get the victory. I love Mr. Wright's smile. I can see that Chris Wright gets his champion's heart from his parent. Chris, Austin, and the entire Georgetown team had dug down deep and found a way to win this afternoon!

What a weekend. It truly made my day seeing all of the former Hoya Blue alumni led by Kurt Mulbauer leading the Georgetown fight song. After all it does not get much better than a Big East win in South Philadelphia.

We Are Georgetown! Hoya Saxa!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President & Director of Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Along the New Jersey Turnpike

2011-01-19T19:39:00.000-08:00

I went to bed early last Friday night hoping to fight off the virus that hit me. I was looking forward to riding up to New Jersey to see the Hoyas take on Rutgers at the RAC. However, it was not to be. I would miss that game as well as the Seton Hall game last night. The Hoyas did win both games though. The games were not pretty, but at this time of the year, any win is good. Hopefully, the Hoyas are back on the upswing! It is all about your play on the court. Hopefully, this eight day rest will do wonders for the Hoyas! We are getting close to February so let's go Hoyas!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

A Double Hoya's End of Year List

2011-01-02T16:13:00.000-08:00

I have never done one of these end-of-year lists so I thought I would give it a try. Here are some of my thoughts on the Year 2010 and the upcoming Year!

Movies:

Great Children's Movies: Toy Story 3, How to Train Your Dragon.

Marketing Gem: MegaMind.

Mixed Feelings: A Team, Karate Kid, Letters to Juliet.

Disappointments: Robin Hood, Sex & the City 2.

Surprises: I loved both Burlesque, and The Social Network.

Top Film Festivals:

Toronto International Film Festival

California Film Festival--Mill Valley, CA

Hotels:

New Favorites: Marriott London Marble Arch, Carolina Inn, Ritz Carlton Boston Common, W Hotel Westwood, CA.

Continued Favorites: Hotel at Mandalay Bay--Las Vegas, Palazzo-Las Vegas, The Palms-Las Vegas, The Drake--Chicago.

Coffee Shops:

New Favorite: Coffee Exchange on Wickenden, Providence, RI.

Favorite New Airline: Virgin America

Restaurants:

New Favorites:

DC Metro: Ray's Hell Burger, Elephant & Castle

New York: Szechuan Gourmet-Midtown NYC

Las Vegas: Lagasse Stadium, Table 10, Zine Noodles

London: New World, Langan's Brasserie

Baltimore: Mo's Seafood, Chap's Pit Beef

San Francisco: R&G Lounge, Fang's, House of Prime Rib, Zachary's Chicago Pizzeria (Berkeley)

Old Favorites:

DC Metro: Kinkead's, The Tombs, Marcel's, Chadwick's--Friendship Hts

Chicago: Gibson's (Rush Street), Lou Mitchell's

New York: Peter Luger's, Katz's Deli, Hop Lee, Ess A Bagel, Aureole, Del Frisco's, Sapporo-Time's Square, Keen's Steakhouse, Carmine's NYC

Las Vegas: Bouchon, Aquaknox, Pinot Brasserie, Cathay House, Emeril's Fish House, Nine

San Francisco: House of Nanking, Tadich's Grill, Sear's Fine Foods

On The Decline:

New York: Phoenix Garden, Joe's Shanghai

Boston: East Ocean City, Grand Chau Chau

DC Metro: Far East, Sushi Ko

Baltimore: The Inner Harbor, Phillip's HarborPlace

Severe Disappointments:

Phillip's CrabHouse--Ocean City, MD, English's Chicken--Ocean City, MD

Favorite Places for Breakfast:

Lou Mitchell's--Chicago.

Sear's Fine Foods: San Francisco.

Grand Lux--Las Vegas.

Favorite Places for Dim Sum:

Cathay House--Las Vegas.

Koi Palace--San Francisco.

Favorite Movie Theatres:

Avalon Theatre--DC.

AFI--Silver Spring

AMC Georgetown

Favorite Sports Arenas:

Madison Square Garden

Staple Center

Verizon Center

Wrigley Field

Favorite Golf Courses:

Sawgrass

Pinehurst II

Congressional

Cave's Valley

Favorite Mobile Apps:

Doodle Jump

Crash Kart

Disney World--Wait Lines

Skype

Yelp

Travel Channel Go

Four Square

ESPN Passport

1ClickFlash

iHandyLevel

CoolFacts

NightVision

Ins for 2011:

Georgetown Basketball

Washington Capitals

Washington Nationals

New York Knicks

Big East Basketball

The Maui Classic

Georgetown University

Georgetown Preparatory School

Washington Jesuit Academy

Facebook

Twitter

Vinyard Vines

Eataly NYC Home Delivery

TV Shows: Hawaii Five-O, Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations

Mountain Biking

Disney

Golf & Spa Weekends

Redline--Gallery Place

The Problem of God

Avalon Theatre

Mill Valley--CA Film Festival

Mobile Apps

Ghost Bar

Outs for 2011

Reality TV Shows

Harry Potter

Syracuse Orange

AFI Silver Spring

DC Filmfest

E-Mail

Thoughts for 2011

How many restaurants can stay in business in NYC?

How do the hotels/motels in Ocean City, MD charge the outrageous prices that they do?

How does Syracuse University market itself as NYC's College Basketball Team? They must market to the geographically challenged!

Why don't we have good deli's and coffee shops in the DC Metro area?

Why can I not buy decent bread in the DC Metro area?

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Winter on the Hilltop

2010-12-16T11:54:00.001-08:00

There is something magical about the Holiday Season on the Hilltop. As I see a little snowstorm hit the DC Metro area today, I cannot help but think of the record-setting winter of 2009-10. It seems like only yesterday that we had a blizzard while I was a Georgetown student living in Village A W-203. I attended a Holiday party this past Sunday in Riggs Library, and a beautiful Mass in Gaston Hall with many of my Georgetown friends. There is something about the raw power of winter, the stress of final exams, and the rush to buy Christmas presents that gets me ready for the next phase of basketball season. I cannot wait for Georgetown to finish its last final exams of the semester with tough games against Loyola-MD, and Memphis on the road.

I do love our current Hoya basketball team. This is perhaps the deepest team we have had in several years. What intrigues me is that in spite of the great leadership provided by the DC Hoya triplets Chris Wright, Austin Freeman, and Jason Clark there is still quite a bit of room for this team to grow. I love our four freshman, and how they all love to be on the court. Vee Sanford shows us glimpses of the future, while Jerrelle adds some muscle to our interior defense.

I love watching our offense, and the explosiveness we possess beyond the 3-point arc. I look forward to seeing our frontcourt, and defense grow with the season. I love our freshman class as all four--Markel, Nate, Aaron, and Moses will compete for playing time with sophomores Jerelle, and Vee. We still have some difficult tests left with Loyola-MD and Memphis before the start of the Big East season.

As I spend countless hours on the internet, and marvel at the hundreds of shows I have access to on my Verizon FIOS I am often puzzled? I have watched the HBO special on legendary coach Vince Lombardi multiple times this week. I love seeing the Jesuit ideals, and focus in Coach Lombardi as his booming voice resonated with his players. He was tough, but he loved his team and players. I do enjoy some of these reality shows like Survivor, Dancing with the Stars, and American Idol. However, as I walk the Georgetown campus I cannot understand their growing popularity. For my taste, they cannot compare to the authenticity of watching a college basketball game. Watching our Georgetown Hoyas battle through the Big East season, to the Big East tournament in New York's Madison Square Garden, and on to March Madness is what I cannot wait to see. Don't get me wrong, reality shows are very entertaining, but I would contend they cannot compare to the real thing like the debut of Moses Ayegba as he drained his two free throws on Sunday! We are Georgetown! Hoya Saxa!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President--Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Georgetown Basketball Events--A View from 7th Street

2010-12-05T09:30:00.000-08:00

My time on the Georgetown Hoya Hoop Club Board has been wonderful. After yesterday's win over Utah State at Verizon Center I got to visit the Redline DC Sports Bar, and also met some Georgetown Basketball fans at Carmines DC. As I walked up and down 7th Street, I could see how many Hoya fans congregate at different places--Chinatown, Bar Louie, DC ChopHouse, Legal Seafood, and the list goes on. I encouraged my new friends at Carmines to attend our Hoya Hoop Club events during the year. Our Facebook, Twitter, and other networking vehicles have done much to bring our community together, but their is nothing like meeting in person. We will soon be coming out with a calendar for our events. I know the DC Metro Club does a great job with our watch parties at Black Finn, and other clubs around the country are very active like our group in Atlanta, GA amongst others. I hope to meet many more Hoya Hoop Club members and Georgetown fans during the season.

We are Georgetown! Hoya Saxa!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice President--Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

45 Minutes of Action!

2010-11-30T20:33:00.000-08:00

What a game! I wish I could have made the trip to Kansas City! The Georgetown Hoyas shot a sizzling 71% from the field in the first half, and yet the Tigers rode their crowd cutting a one-time 18-point deficit to only 7 points at half. Austin Freeman led the way in the first half and made some great plays to keep Georgetown close in the second half. Chris Wright made one of the great shots in recent memory to put Georgetown into the OT. In the overtime, Jason Clark's 3 3-ptrs iced the game for GTown. It was a great road win for the Hoyas. Nate Lubick logged some valuable minutes and made some great defensive plays and rebounds. However, I want to point out two of the unsung heroes: Vee Sanford, and Henry Sims. Vee Sanford played some great defense, and made a key 3-ptr in the second half to keep the Missouri Tigers from pulling into a larger lead. He was great. I really enjoyed watching the game of Henry Sims who played with great confidence. He finished well on two power dunks, and made some shots to total 10 points. However, what really impressed me was the little things he did: blocking shots, good positioning, and altering countless shots inside. Henry Sims--you made us proud! The Hoya Nation loves you!

A great team effort for the Hoyas--Georgetown Forever! We will see you at Verizon Center on Saturday!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice President--Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

The DC Hoya Triplets

2010-11-27T17:37:00.000-08:00

It is very rare that you will see a trio of guards on a college basketball team like Austin Freeman, Chris Wright, and Jason Clark. It is even rarer that they come from a single high school conference like the WCAC. Austin from DeMatha in Hyattsville, Maryland; Chris Wright from St. John's in D.C.; and Jason Clark from O'Connell in Falls Church, Virginia. It has been a difficult road for these three with the additional pressures of playing in front of their hometown friends, families, and the local press. Expectations were indeed unreasonable. Still these three have had stellar college careers and are now truly coming together as one of the top backcourts in the nation. Chris Wright has been the MVP of the Charleston Classic & his 3-point shooting outburst helped prevent an opening game loss to Old Dominion on the road. Jason Clark has been our most consistent outside shooter. His NBA 3-point shot in traffic against Old Dominion helped seal that win. Austin Freeman has been quietly spectacular in the early season. He threw down some monster dunks in the second half against NC State in the finals of the Charleston Classic. Today against UNC-Asheville he put on a sizzling performance with 32 points sitting out much of the game. His 7 three pointers set a Georgetown single game record. In fact I think the best is yet to come. Hoya Saxa!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice President-Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

When Pride Still Mattered--The Jesuit Way

2010-11-04T13:56:00.001-07:00

My first contact with the Jesuits was Father Theodore Brady, S.J. I was a nervous 8th grader sitting for my admissions interview at the North Bethesda campus with my parents. I remember how important it was for me to get in. I wanted to be part of the tradition, and to learn Latin from Father Brady. After being admitted, Father Brady had taken two years off for health reasons, and I had Mr. Joyce and Father Byrne as my Latin teachers. Both were wonderful mentors for me in the classroom and in life. I had a wonderful algebra teach in Father Galvin, and had Father Brady for English upon his return to Prep during my Junior year. The years flew by, and Georgetown University President Tim Healey, S.J. was our graduation speaker leading to another four years as a Georgetown undergraduate on the Hilltop.

As I get ready to attend my Georgetown Prep Homecoming this weekend, I will think about my recent trip to New York where I saw the Broadway play "Lombardi." There was a star filled audience that gathered after for questions with Steve Sabol and Merrill Hogue from NFL films. Also, Redskins owner Dan Snyder brought GM Bruce Allen, Sonny Jurgensen, and Sam Huff. The play was very interesting, and based on the book, "When Pride Still Mattered," by David Maraniss who was still in the audience. The play, like the book was a wonderful insight into Mr. Lombardi, and how the Jesuit ideals of discipline and precision permeated everything he did in life and on the football field. Indeed Lombardi loved the "Jesuit Way." On this weekend with the Homecoming events at Georgetown Prep, and the Gala for the Lombardi Cancer Center at Georgetown University Hospital we celebrate Coach Lombardi reflecting on the Jesuit Way and "When Pride Still Mattered."

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice President--Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Countdown to MM Week 10: Georgetown-Tar Heels in the Superdome

2010-10-09T08:56:00.000-07:00

March 30, 1982 was the date when the Georgetown-UNC Championship game began the modern era of college basketball. Why am I picking a loss for my last Heart Attack Hoya Classic? I hate to even discuss one of our most heart-breaking losses. However, I was impressed recently when '97 Georgetown alumnus & movie star, Bradley Cooper addressed the Georgetown students in Gaston Hall. In his address he told the students that he felt sorry for those who never fail at something, because only really in failure do we grow. As disappointing as the 62-63 loss was in the national championship game it was what allowed the Hoyas to learn, and usher in the greatest 10 years of basketball in Georgetown history including the 1984 NCAA championship. I remember watching the game on TV before a record crowd at the New Orleans Superdome. It was close throughout. Patrick Ewing as instructed by coach John Thompson, Jr. had several goaltending calls early as he did not allow any baskets by the Tar Heels in the first few minutes. Coach Thompson wanted to create a defensive presence early in the game. There were numerous lead changes as Georgetown and Carolina battled most of the game. Many college basketball historians often point to this game as a showcase for the new athleticism in the game of basketball. There were many underlying themes to this game. There was the friendship of John Thompson and Dean Smith. There was the battle between the Big East and ACC. Most people remember it as the game when Michael Jordan made the shot, and Fred Brown threw the ball to James Worthy. Who can forget Coach Thompson hugging Fred Brown and assuring him that his mistake did not cost the Hoyas the game. Certainly Fred had won the Hoyas many games during his Georgetown career. It seemed as if the next two years flew by, and Thompson was hugging Fred Brown when Georgetown defeated Houston for the NCAA championship. I am not one who likes moral victories, but I do not think anyone could watch this game and not be proud of the Georgetown Hoyas. Indeed it was a classic--the largest crowd ever to see a game, and at the very beginning of ESPN, and the modern era of college basketball. Indeed it was not Michael Jordan against Patrick Ewing, or John Thompson against Dean Smith, but it was Georgetown against North Carolina. Indeed I believe it is only a matter of time before these two schools play for another national championship. It is now only one week before Midnight Madness--I cannot wait!

We are Georgetown! Hoya Saxa!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President & Director of Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Countdown to MM Week 9: Hail to the Georgetown Generations

2010-10-01T06:30:00.000-07:00

Hail the Georgetown Generations was the name of the article written for the New York Daily News on March 26, 2007. It seems like yesterday when I walked the halls of the Meadowlands running into Danny Ainge the GM of the Celtics, and sportswriter Mike Lupica. In what has been the defining game of the JT III era, the Hoyas trailed by a few points most of the game. They played well throughout, but could not contain the massive front line of the UNC Tar Heels. In what proved to be a much faster paced game than Georgetown was usually comfortable in, DaJuan Summers played the best game of his Hoya career scoring 21 points against a true national championship contender. It was indeed a game of Homeric proportions as the two heavyweights went after each other. I remember my friend Dennis Lucey coming down and asking me to give a pep talk to my friends in the upper deck who were very depressed with Georgetown trailing. To my surprise my friends were as down as I have ever seen them. When I realized this we stood in the hallways talking about the game during halftime. I told them that this was our time, and that we would slowly take control of the game. They needed to keep the faith. After halftime, the Tar Heels came out on fire, and I began to really worry. However, the Heart Attack Hoyas had done this to me before. They slowly pulled to within 3 points, as they matched the speed of UNC point guard Ty Lawson. Then Jonathan Wallace made the shot! In the remaining time, and overtime the Hoya defense shut down the UNC Tar Heels as the Hoyas ran away with the game 96-84. What a night in New Jersey--Georgetown Alumni Central!

Happy 2007--Georgetown Basketball had returned. The Duke game in 2006 was wonderful, but not like this one. I was fortunate to sit in this game next to celebrities Alfred Bozzo, Pat Riley, and Patrick Ewing. Jeff Green had told the press that Georgetown was now back to where it belongs--the Final Four. As Mike Lupica states in his article, "If this is the last game to be played in this arena, this one will do!" Almost 25 years to the day when UNC and Michael Jordan made the shots to defeat Georgetown in the 1982 NCAA Championship, it was Georgetown that made the big shots. Roy Hibbert, Jeff Green, Jonathan Wallace, and DaJuan Summers came up big. As I rode with my brother and other friends back home, I was overcome by a sense of happiness. Getting to the arena 4 hours early was well worth it as we rode the bus from the Port Authority. I must have gotten a hundred calls that night as I obviously could not sleep. I ordered my Final Four tickets and made my travel arrangements. Happy 2007--Nest Stop the Final Four. Georgetown was back!

We are Georgetown! Hoya Saxa!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President--Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Countdown to MM Week 8: The Rise of Generation Burton

2010-09-24T05:53:00.000-07:00

Generation Burton rises! Beware the Ides of March--Is what many schools fear when facing the Georgetown Hoyas. On this March 15, 2001, the Hoyas defeated Arkansas 63-61 to reach the Sweet Sixteen. In a game that was the highlight of the Escherick years, Nat Burton, the kid from PG County MD, became part of Georgetown basketball lore. It was a year when the Hoyas were undefeated early in the year behind the play of Lee Scruggs, Kevin Braswell, and Anthony Perry. It would see the Hoyas lose a close game to Maryland in the Sweet Sixteen. However, this March 15th, 2001 would belong to the Georgetown Hoyas. Facing a difficult opponent in the Arkansas Razorbacks, the Hoyas came out on fire. It was a close battle throughout with neither team taking control of the game. It seemed as if the Hoyas would go down to defeat, except for a last second sweeping layup by Nat Burton that kissed off the glass. After that shot, the Georgetown players piled up & dove on the court in great jubilation. After that great day in Boise, Idaho the legend of Nat Burton had begun.

We are Georgetown! Hoya Saxa!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice President--Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Countdown to MM Week 7: David Wingate Steals the Show against the BC Eagles

2010-09-18T14:51:00.000-07:00

On January 29, 1983 Georgetown played the Boston College Eagles at Capital Centre. The Hoyas already had three losses at that time. They were coming off the historic loss to UNC in the National Championship game. With the loss of Eric "Sleepy" Floyd and Eric Smith, the Hoyas were much less experienced than the previous year. They had a very young backcourt of Michael Jackson, and David Wingate. On this evening, the Hoyas were not on their game. They were fortunate to be tied 67-67 with only a few seconds left. Michael Adams called time out and Boston College was in control. It was a very tense close game throughout. When BC inbounded the ball, the Hoya defensive pressure caused the ball to be tipped at mid-court. Out of nowhere, David Wingate raced in with his great speed and athleticism. He then dribbled the ball the length of the court swooping in for a long outstretched lay-up. The buzzer sounded as the ball went through the hoop; Wingate, and all the Hoya players raced off the court in jubilation. It was another last second Heart Attack Hoya win!

We are Georgetown! Hoya Saxa!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President--Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Countdown to MM Week 6: Pat Ewing, Jr blocks WVU Mountaineers

2010-09-06T19:35:00.000-07:00

It is a long bus ride to Morgantown, West Virginia. On January 26, 2008 I took that bus trip to see the Hoyas face West Virginia with many of the Hoya Hoop Club faithful. I remember the bus driver getting lost when we got to Morgantown, and knowing we were in for a long evening. Much of the game was uneventful, as the Hoyas struggled against the Mountaineer offense. I knew after seeing WVU play in Birmingham earlier that year, bob Huggins' team would be a force in the Big East. Freshman sensation Joe Alexander played with unbelievable poise, and athleticism for a first year player. It was not until Pat Ewing Jr. entered the game, and got inside Joe Alexander's shirt did the Hoyas start making a comeback. His defense reminded me of former Hoyas Gene Smith, and Mike Riley as he was relentless.

At the two minute mark Jessie "NYC" Sapp had one of the great offensive outputs by a Hoya in recent memory as he scored at will from inside and outside. His NBA 3-ptr from the top of the key put Georgetown up by a point with only a few seconds left. The Hoya players were pumped. I was very concerned that the Mountaineers would get a good shot off before the buzzer. They passed the ball in, and one of their players drove the length of the court. It was apparent that he would get a good shot off before the buzzer. Then I was in shock as he turned the corner on the baseline, driving the lane for a layup. In one of the greatest blocks in Georgetown basketball history, Pat Ewing Jr. came out of nowhere and swatted the shot away. It appeared to me as if he blocked the shot just as it hit its peak. The crowd was stunned as the referees reviewed the instant replay. After a long minute, the block was called good and the Hoyas raced off the floor. I remember running back to the bus, and the happy HHC members as we took the long bus ride back to Georgetown. Thanks Pat, and the Hoyas for the memories!

We are Georgetown! Hoya Saxa!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President--Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Countdown to Midnight Madness Week 5: The Last Game at Manley Field House

2010-09-02T16:34:00.000-07:00

GU wins the last game in Manley Field House. This was one of the most historic games in all of college basketball history. It was the game that launched the Georgetown-Syracuse rivalry. Even though Georgetown had upset Syracuse and the Louie-Bouie show a year earlier at Cole Field House, the Orange faithful were confident the #2 ranked Orange would dispose of the Hoyas in the frenzied atmosphere of Manley Field House. I remembered the Syracuse game in the prior year, as there were several fellow residents of 4th Loyola dormitory on 35th street from Syracuse, New York. They had grown up as die hard Syracuse basketball fans, but it would take this victory at Manley Field House to change them permanently to "Heart Attack Hoya" fans. The Orange came out on fire in the first half looking to avenge their loss to GU at Cole Field House. They played up to their #2 national ranking as Marty Headd and company could not miss in the first half. The Hoyas were caught by surprise and only shot a mere 21 percent from the field before halftime. In a brilliant move, Coach John Thompson, Jr. slowed the pace of the game at the end of the first half. Craig "Big Sky" Shelton, and "Fast Eddie" Spriggs scored some key inside baskets to close the half.

In the second half Syracuse came out hot again looking to extend the nation's leading 57 game home winning streak. All the emotions of the past great Syracuse teams led by Dave Bing, et al. fueled the crowd's emotions. Indeed the Orange fed off their great fans, and pushed the lead to 17 points. Georgetown dug down deep, and slowly chipped away at the lead. As I watched the game with my housemates in Village A I boldly predicted that the Hoyas would prevail. The Syracuse fans at Manley began to sing Auld Lang Syne prematurely. They taunted the Georgetown players at every opportunity. However, in one of JT, Jr.'s most brilliant coaching performances, he tightened the Georgetown defense knowing that if he could neutrallize Syracuse center Roosevelt Bouie the game was up for grabs in the final minutes. Sure enough the Hoyas closed the game to 49-44 with two minutes left. Those last two minutes seemed like two hours. Finally, Eric "Sleepy" Floyd knocked down two free throws to win the game as the Orange faithful sat stunned in Manley. I will never forget seeing Coach Thompson and the Hoyas walk off the court as Coach Thompson made the famed statement, "Manley Field House is officially closed." That game was a sign of the many heart attack moments to come in the inaugural year of the Big East Conference. It fueled the modern era's greatest college basketball rivalry. The Hoyas needed all of their experience, focus, and determination to prevail in this game of "Ruthian" proportions. That "Heart Attack Hoya" evening cemented Georgetown's place in college basketball history as the true "Beast of the East."

We are Georgetown! Hoya Saxa!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President--Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Countdown to Midnight Madness Week 4: Georgetown Downs ACC Champ Georgia Tech

2010-08-28T04:40:00.000-07:00

March 23, 1985, #1 ranked Georgetown outlasts #14 Georgia Tech in Providence to return to the Final Four. In 1985 the Hoya fans were often spoiled. It was rare that we did not win a game by at least 30 points. The Big East set a record that year sending 3 teams to the Final Four. If Syracuse did not unexpectedly falter it could have been 4 teams. I had an uneasy feeling going into the Georgia Tech game, as I suspected we were looking forward to a third meeting at the Final Four with the #2 ranked St. John's Redmen. Georgia Tech had a young team led by sharpshooter Mark Price, and John "Spider" Salley. Neither team shot well from the outside. The YellowJackets spread the floor not allowing the Hoyas to start their vaunted fast break. John Salley used his mobility to make Patrick Ewing chase him all over the court. Early in the second half Patrick Ewing, and Michael Jackson got their 4th fouls. Georgia Tech then started to use up the clock. Luckily, Mark Price was only 3-16 from the field. David Wingate led the defense, smothering Price and not allowing him to get good looks from the field. Coach Thompson smartly used his bench, as Horace Broadnax, and Grady Mateen helped pull the Hoyas ahead. Indeed the famed Hoya defense won this game. As the team cut down the nets, the Heart Attack Hoyas looked relieved. I can still picture Patrick Ewing lying on the floor, looking up to the heavens! It was one of those games when you could hear John Thompson, and Red Auerbach telling the team that if they could shut down their opponent during the key stretches of the second half, they would win the game! The defending national champion Hoyas had survived to reach another Final Four and fight another day.

We are Georgetown! Hoya Saxa!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President & Director of Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Countdown to Midnight Madness Week 3 Georgetown outlasts Notre Dame in a Big East TN Classic

2010-08-14T10:20:00.000-07:00

The Hoyas victory over Notre Dame in the semifinals of the 2007 BE Tournament will go down in the annals of MSG as one of the Garden's great college basketball games. Earlier that year, GU had routed the Irish 66-48 at Verizon Center as the Hoyas dominated Notre Dame in every aspect of the game. As I awaited the Friday night contest, I knew that we were in for a battle. The young and talented Notre Dame team had nothing to lose. They came out firing 3-ptrs from beyond the NBA 3-pt line. Every one of them seemed to be falling. Georgetown played well in the first half, but their 3-ptrs were not falling. In the second half Georgetown and Notre Dame went at each other. There were 13 lead changes and 9 ties in the second half alone. After Georgetown opened up a 7 pt lead late in the game, guard Tory Jackson went on a tear tying the game. It took a career performance from eventual Big East regular season & tournament MVP Jeff Green who had 30 pts and 12 rebounds to win the game. His jump hook with 13 seconds left, electrified the Garden crowd. Tory Jackson had a chance to win the game for the Irish, but some tough defense by Patrick Ewing, Jr. caused his shot to be off the mark. As the ball was tipped out to half court, Georgetown had survived a thriller to reach the finals of the Big East tournament. As I exited the Garden, I was relieved that Georgetown still had its "swagga," and had lived to fight another day. The Heart Attack Hoyas were back!

We are Georgetown! Hoya Saxa!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President--Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Countdown to Midnight Madness Week 2: Austin Freeman Rallies GU past UConn Huskies

2010-08-14T09:36:00.001-07:00

In one of the greatest comeback wins in Hoya history, Austin Freeman propels the DC Hoyas Fantastic Four to a victory in a Verizon Center Classic. We rarely see this at Georgetown, but Austin Freeman became a One Man Gang in the second half. The Hoyas were very inconsistent in the first half falling behind by 15 points. The second half would be a sign of the many exciting games to come in 2010. After close losses to Marquette, and Old Dominion, the Verizon Center was quiet after the Hoyas fell behind by 17 early in the second half. However, Austin Freeman led the way as Georgetown tied the game with about 7 minutes remaining in the contest. The last few minutes saw several lead changes as the Hoyas would triumph 72-69. Julian Vaughn's two handed tip in late in the game would be a big key to the Hoyas' win. Greg Monroe scored the last basket, andwill be missed this year as he goes on to star for the Detroit Pistons. The Hoyas will be led in 2010-11 by four returning starters who are all local products and former Washington Post All-Metropolitan selections. Indeed the DC Hoyas Fantastic Four of Austin Freeman, Chris Wright, Jason Clark, and Julian Vaughn will lead Georgetown starting with Midnight Madness 2010. Come to see the Verizon Center Rock! I cannot wait!

We are Georgetown! Hoya Saxa!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Vice-President Hoya Hoop Club--Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Countdown to Midnight Madness Week 1: Perry McDonald KO's the Orange

2010-08-06T06:57:00.000-07:00

This is one of my all-time favorite Heart Attack Hoya games. A year after Reggie and the Miracles stole the hearts of the Georgetown faithful in Madison Square Garden, the Hoyas were rebuilding. Most people remember Charles Smith driving the length of the court with 6 seconds left to upset the Syracuse Orange in the Carrier Dome earlier that year. This Georgetown team was truly a blue collar team in between the Patrick Ewing era, and the arrival of Alonzo Mourning on the Hilltop. The Hoyas were having a very good 16-6 season but were reeling from recent losses on the road to Villanova and UCONN. Georgetown had an explosive backcourt of the emerging Charles Smith and Mark Tillmon. The front court was manned by Ben Gillery, Ronnie Highsmith, & Perry McDonald with Anthony Tucker, Sam Jefferson, Dwayne Bryant, Bobby Winston, Anthony Allen, and Jonathan Edwards coming off the bench. In fact the 6'4" Perry McDonald who was a defensive swingman for most of his Georgetown career was often playing center. Teams were taking advantabe of our frontcourt this year which was talented but very young. The Orange were hungry to defeat the Hoyas this year as they had a very powerful lineup with Sherman Douglas, Stevie Thompson, Rony Seikaly, Derrick Coleman, and Matt Roe. Rony Seikaly, and Derrick Coleman led what was probably the most imposing front line in college basketball.

At this point in time the Syracuse Orange had lost on all 9 of their visits to the DC area to play the Hoyas. The Orange came to the Capital Centre with a great deal of swagger, as nobody had been able to handle their massive front court. Everyone was predicting that the #11 Orange would defeat the Hoyas handily on this day, except for big John Thompson and Georgetown. As Georgetown was recovering from their Big East road losses, coach Thompson came up with a masterful game plan. Everyone was expecting Georgetown to spread the court and try to turn the game into a perimeter game. When the game started the Hoyas powered the ball inside for dunks and power moves by Ronnie Highsmith, and company. The Orange were caught completely by surprise as they did not expect for us to attack the strength of the Orange defense. The Hoyas led for most of the game with this strategy as they were fueled on by the sellout Capital Centre crowd. However, late in the second half the Orange finally took control of the game as Derrick Coleman, and Rony Seikaly powered the Orange back. It was remarkable to see Perry McDonald, the former Golden Gloves boxing champ from Louisiana, play center against the much taller Rony Seikaly for most of the game. Perry no longer had Reggie Williams or David Wingate with him. Perry was one of those players who could lose to anyone in "Horse," or a practice shoot around. He shot much better in big time situations especially when he was fouled or hit while shooting. Georgetown battled back to tie the game. In one of the most intense finishes of the Heart Attack Hoyas, Georgetown threw the ball directly into the post as they had done all day. Perry McDonald turned immediately into Rony Seikaly in the high post and banked in a 12 footer as the game ended. It was Syracuse's 10th straight loss in DC against Georgetown without a win. The Orange would break that streak the following season, but not on this night. It was evidence that if you gave John Thompson a few days to come up with a game plan, he and the Hoyas were almost unbeatable at home. Coach Boeheim has recently called the Georgetown-Syracuse rivalry during the 1980's as the greatest, most intense rivalry in college basketball history. When I heard him make this statement, I thought to myself: "Really! Bigger than Duke-Carolina or any other rivalry?" When I thought about Perry McDonald's game winning shot on February 13, 1988 in Landover, Maryland I realized he was right. When I saw Perry McDonald at the 100th anniversary of Georgetown Basketball in 2007 I enjoyed many Georgetown fans thanking Perry and telling him that the Syracuse Orange never want to see him again. Let's not forget it was a team effort by all of the Hoyas. Everyone on that team executed the game plan to perfection. Thanks for the memories--Heart Attack Hoyas!

We are Georgetown!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President--Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

If You're Lucky You'll Dream: A Lifetime on the Hilltop

2010-07-28T21:38:00.000-07:00

We are only 30 days away from the arrival of new undergraduate students at Georgetown. I can still remember former GU President Tim Healey, S.J. saying, "If you're lucky, you'll dream. I remember Father Healey quoting Shakespeare where Caliban describes:

That if I then had wak'd after long sleep,

Will make me sleep again: and then in dreaming,

The clouds methought would open,

and show riches

Ready to drop me: that, when I wak'd,

I cried to dream again.

This summer, I have had the fortune of giving some GU tours to some prospective students. I made some new friends in London, UK including an incoming freshman. I have marvelled seeing Kenner Summer League Basketball games with the DC Hoya triplets: Austin Freeman, Chris Wright, and Jason Clark. I have enjoyed seeing the new Hoya freshman: Markel Starks, Nate Lubick, Moses Abraham, and Aaron Bowen bring energy and excitement to McDonough Arena. It reminded me of my student days as I often ran the floor at Yates Field House dreaming of throwing the alley-oop to Patrick Ewing and Michael Graham. I saw the movie tonight Inception for the second time, and was fascinated with their accounting of dreams. As I gave some campus tours this summer I could not get over the prospective students' fascination with the Exorcist steps. I was amazed today to realize we are at the 25th anniversary of the movie St. Elmo's Fire, that was not filmed on the Georgetown campus yet was fictitiously about some recent Georgetown graduates.

So, to all of my fellow Hoyas don't stop dreaming!

We are Georgetown! DC is our Playground!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President & Director of Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

DC Summer League BBall at Georgetown

2010-07-04T07:17:00.000-07:00

DC Summer Basketball is something only New York City can rival. Seeing Chris Wright in McDonough reminds me of being at the Washington Metropolitan Basketball camp at St. John's College High School with counselors like DeMatha's Adrian Dantley. What games there must have been back in the time of John Thompson, Jr., Dave Bing, Austin Carr, and Elgin Baylor.

The Kenner League had a characteristic opening day with last minute schedule changes in full force. Please note that they have cancelled all games today on the 4th of July and have revised the schedule. The Tombs had a surprisingly easy time routing DCX in the second half behind Austin Freeman, and Hoya Frosh Markel Starks, and Moses Abraham. The out of town freshmen Nate Lubick and Aaron Bowen have not arrived yet. Former Kentucky freshman, and lottery pick DeMarcus Cousins provided additional inside strength to the Tombs. Mr. Cousins also played in the third game of the day with other Hoya standouts Julian Vaughn and Vee Sanford. Other Kenner League regulars Byron Mouton played in the first game, as well as "Coach Rodney" who coached in the third game with his signature passion.

So if you need your fix of basketball before Midnight Madness comes in 100+ days, please make your way to McDonough to see some summer league basketball. I know Chris Wright is anxious to get out on the court and have the referees throw out that opening jump ball: "Let's Play Ball." For the new updated schedule please go to: http://www.facebook.com/notes/hoya-hoop-club/updated-2010-kenner-summer-league-basketball-schedule/400041456121

***Please remember that the schedules change all the time! Have a great 4th of July 2010!

We are Georgetown!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President and Director of Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

The Greatest Game Ever Invented

2010-06-08T07:11:00.000-07:00

We often forget during March Madness about all the hard work and conditioning that takes place during the summer and off-season. They call it the city game, but a quick look at the movie Hoosiers, reminds of the history of basketball and its roots in the heartland of America. The recent passing of Dennis Hopper, who plays Scooter in my favorite basketball movie Hoosiers, has played heavily on my mind. This past weekend that I spent in New York City, I was very saddened to hear about the passing of Coach John R. Wooden, one of the greatest coaches in history. I was very happy that Georgetown played in the last Wooden Classic attended by Coach Wooden this past year. My memories of meeting Coach as a young boy at the Washington Metropolitan Basketball camp at St. John's College High School is something I will never forget.

On my recent trip to London, I was fascinated by the passion for the sport of soccer in England. I was frequently corrected that I should call it futbol. When I asked my cab driver if he was excited about the Olympics coming to London in 2012, he told me that they really did not care. He was only concerned that London win the bid for the 2018 World Cup. The UK has not hosted the World Cup since 1966. It was with conviction that he told me that London was the best place in the World to host the World Cup. I was truly impressed with the love of the sport on my visit.

As I walked the streets of New York this weekend, I was reminded of the great love of baseball in New York. As you walk through the five boroughs of NYC you can feel the passion for America's Pastime. In fact at this very moment I am preparing to go to Nationals Stadium to see the major league debut of Steven Strasburg. However, my mind continues to drift towards summer league basketball. Indeed you can go out on many of the playgrounds of DC or New York and see some of the best basktball players in the world, like at Rucker Park. I will now make my case for basketball being the world's greatest game. Indeed it is a team sport that is truly the ultimate match-up sports where you can take advantage of individual match-ups. If you have a basketball and a court you can play a team game or one-on-one. Basketball requires tremendous hand-eye-coordination, and arguably the greatest amount of athleticism throughout the entire body. Indeed I concede that any declaration of the world's greatest sport is completely subjective, and this represents my own personal opinion. Indeed any argument for soccer, baseball, football, etc. is truly an exercise in what is pure and great about athletics.

I would like to make my last tribute to the great Coach John R. Wooden. People often forget that he grew up on a farm in Indiana. Indeed his life was the embodiment of integrity. Who can forget in the movie Hoosiers when Barbara Hershey tells coach Norman Dale that every basketball game her brother played was the most important thing that ever happened to her family, and that she just did not get it. If you come out to see the Kenner Summer League at McDonough Arena, and the 2010-11 Georgetown Basketball season you will experience why. My favorite scene in the movie has Dennis Hopper discussing basketball strategy with Gene Hackman telling him that he knows everything there is to know about "The Greatest Game Ever Invented!"

We are Georgetown!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President and Director of Communication

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

WJA Eye Exam Day III

2010-05-10T20:26:00.000-07:00

I am proud to say for the third straight year I have had the privilege of organizing eye exams for the students at the Washington Jesuit Academy. If you are not familiar with the school please visit their website by clicking the link above. For those of you who strive for the Jesuit ideal of "Men and Women for Others," you will be truly inspired by a Day at the WJA . The WJA is a school formed under the auspices of the Society of Jesus to provide a quality, tuition-free education for disadvantaged middle school boys from low-income families. They provide a quality education for 11 months a year for 12 hour school days. I am still amazed at how wonderful and polite these students are. Two days before our "Eye Exam Day," I spent some time at the WJA with their school counselor, Ann Clark making sure we had our equipment ready, and that we had tables, extension cords, proper lighting, etc. for the day. I was truly touched to have a few of the boys come up to me and ask me if I was coming on Thursday to do their eye exams. When I said yes, it was great to see such wonderful smiles.

One of our partners for the day are the wonderful ladies from "The Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington ." I saw all of our regular volunteers, including my friends Marcy Babitz, and Barbara Terrace. Their group does the initial screening of the students including visual acuity, and provide a pair of free glasses to all of the boys. I also want to thank Lombart instruments for providing the visual acuity charts, and phoropter stands. My good friend from Lombart has been very helpful the last two years providing support for us. I always enjoy talking some Georgetown Basketball, with my good friend from Lombart, Mike Brown. Few people know that Mike was a former basketball player himself at the University of Massachusetts where he was a teammate of Louisville coach Rick Pitino, and former NBA superstar Julius Erving. I also want to thank my friend Greg Kloth from Marco Ophthalmics for providing us with a brand new autorefractor/non-contact tonometer for the screening and donating a used one to the WJA. I want to thank Drs. Christine King, Kevin King, and Mike Berhenaus for the use of their phoropters. Lastly, I want to thank my fellow colleagues from the Maryland Optometric Association, Drs. Lisa McGinn, John Burns, William Davis, and Charles Mitchell for volunteering and providing quality eye exams for the students. These four colleagues generously gave time out of their offices to make the day a success. This year we definitely had everything running smoothly, and none of the students had to wait as they progressed through the eye exams from the initial history and testing to the dilated fundus exams. Of the 23 students that we examined, we prescribed glasses to 22 of the students. Vision certainly is crucial to learning for these students.

I was truly thrilled to see the WJA's new 65 yard turf football/lacrosse field and new basketball courts. I truly cannot wait to return in a year, and hopefully during the year become more involved in the Washington Jesuit Academy. As Drs. Burns and Davis were new to the WJA, Ann Clark gave us a quick tour including a nice discussion with Mr. Robert Wassman who heads the WJA's reading program. I cannot name everyone but wanted to give a special mention to WJA President Bill Whitaker, and Ann Clark, Director of Counseling Services who I consider wonderful friends. I also want to mention my other friends at the WJA, Dawon Dicks, Merry Cavanaugh, Joe Powers, and Brian Ray. Lastly, I want to thank my friend Theresa DeGioia, the First Lady of Georgetown University for getting me invovled in the WJA. The school has really become a shining example of the Jesuit Ideal, "Men and Women for Others."

Dr. Thomas A. Wong (Georgetown College '82, Georgetown Prep '78)

Georgetown University Board of Governors

Director of Communications Hoya Hoop Club

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

The View from Table 16 at the Men's Basketball Banquet

2010-04-22T06:54:00.000-07:00

It was with mixed emotions that I walked into the Leavey Center for the Men's Basketball Banquet 2010. The basketball season really flew by, and I am still experiencing withdrawals that will not end until the start of the Kenner Summer League. Just five days prior to the banquet, I got a chance to see Markel Starks, Nate Lubick, and Moses Abraham play in the Capital Classic. I know our future is bright. Greg Monroe's decision to enter the NBA draft left me both sad that he will be leaving, and happy for Greg's new opportunities. The HoyaNation is looking forward to following his NBA career. He will always be a Hoya, and loved on the Hilltop.

As I entered the ballroom I chatted with Hoyas Unlimited staff and fellow Georgetown alumni Ricky Schramm and Mara Vandlik. I could see that they had everything well prepared for the evening, as HHC President Al Bozzo, and Master of Ceremonies Joe Lonardo checked out the stage and microphones. As I stepped out to have a drink I met up with the Chvotkins: Rich, Evan, and Pam. We reminisced about the last time we were in the Leavey Center together, staying in the Georgetown Inn, and trudging through the blizzard to McDonough Gymnasium for the Old Dominion game. Who could forget all of the snowstorms of the 2009-10 season!

As we approached 7:00 PM, the players and coaches entered, and everyone slowly moved towards their tables. It always makes me proud to see how well our players and coaches are dressed--Proud to wear the Blue and Gray. It is always a special evening. After Joe Lonardo introduced the DAIS, Reverend William McFadden did the invocation. We then saw the first glimpse of the 2009-10 highlight film. That really got the crowd going. Two of my favorites were of course the Duke, and Villanova home games. Who could forget the Gray Out in front of President Obama, and VP Biden. The Hoyas rout of the Villanova Wildcats was certainly another highlight. I will never forget conquering the blizzard with another 12,000 plus Hoya fans to get to Verizon Center. However, my favorite game was Georgetown defeating the #1 ranked Syracuse Orange at the Big East Tournament in front of an electric crowd at Madison Square Garden. Indeed there were many great moments to the 2009-10 season.

It was entertaining to see each of the players "roasted" in good fun by assistant coach Matt Henry, as they each received their gifts and had their pictures taken. Dr. William Licamele, aka LicHoya, won the Anthony Fernicola Award for outstanding contributions to the Hoya Hoop Club and the Men's Basketball program. Congratulations to Bill, a great Hoya. Bill needs no further press on the internet as we all know! Coach JT III gave out two coaches awards to Ryan Dougherty, and Julian Vaughn. The cheerleaders, band, Hoya Blue, Hoyas Unlimited Staff especially Mara Vandlik for organizing the evening, were appropriately thanked. New Athletic Director Lee Reed received a warm welcome, as he mingled with the crowd through the evening.

As we completed our meal, our HHC Communications group at Table 16 had fun with Father Ray Kemp. It was great to have Father Kemp at our table as he has been a teacher and friend to many of our current and former Hoya basketball players. For those of you who know Father Kemp, he is always entertaining. The highlight of the evening for me though was JT III allowing Greg Monroe to speak. Greg was very gracious telling his teammates how much he loved them, and how he considered them to be family. He did break down and had to fight away the tears to tell us that these two years at Georgetown were the best years of his life. President DeGioia, coach JT III had said it earlier, but in his own way Greg Monroe had best summed up the emotions of the evening which can simply be stated as: "We Are Georgetown!"

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Vice-President Hoya Hoop Club-Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Capital Classic--The Post-Game Report

2010-04-19T06:49:00.000-07:00

I believe the Capital Classic has found a home at Bender Arena on the campus of American University. I drove down Foxhall Road to Nebraska & Massachusetts Avenues to see High School basketball stars from across the country put on a show this April 15th for the 37th Annual Capital Classic. Having attended several Capital Classics in the past, I was impressed with the fierce competition on the floor. The game reflected the parity in college basketball today as Georgetown, Maryland, Duke, Villanova, et al had quality recruits playing. There was no Patrick Ewing, or LeBron James dominating the event. The first game with the DC All-Stars vs the US All-Stars was one of the best I have ever seen. Ray Gatling from Oxon Hill, and the combo of Justin Burrell, and Antonio Jennifer from Potomac High lost a closely fought game with the DC All-Stars. Denzel Primus-Devonish from St. John's, and Phillip Hawkins from Eastern HS led a very balanced attack from the DC All-Stars. It was one of the most competitive preliminary games I have ever seen. As we all know many a college star has been discovered in the preliminary game to the Capital Classic. Our own Brandon Bowman is just one example.

The transition between the two games was quick, and seamless. I got a chance to catch up with Rich and Evan Chvotkin between games. It always feels like home with Rich doing the announcing. The Capital Classic was a very entertaining game. As with most all-star games, the guards really dictated the game, and the offense was ahead of the defense. The Capital All-Stars started a very small line-up with Josh Hairston from Montrose Christian with four guards. Markel Starks showed great court-sense hitting from outside, and inside with slashing moves to the basket. When the second units came, in future Hoyas Nate Lubick and Moses Abraham battled against each other. Nate finished with eight points with some powerful inside dunks. Moses Abraham scored only two points but grabbed 6 rebounds and altered a few shots on defense. Both Nate and Moses impressed me with their ability to run the court, and their ability to bang on the boards. Florida State recruit Ian Miller, and Villanova recruit JayVaughn Pinkston led the US All-Stars with twenty-four points each. However it was local product and Hoya recruit Markel Starks from Georgetown Prep who won the MVP award. The HoyaNation looks forward to the new Capital Classic alumni Nate Lubick, Moses Abraham, and Markel Starks wearing the Blue and Gray as they arrive at the Hilltop!

We are Georgetown! Hoya Saxa!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Capital Classic--The Tradition Continues

2010-04-10T17:32:00.000-07:00

The Capital Classic has been a tradition for high school basketball in this area since 1974. It showcases a US All-Star team against the Washington Area's best high school players. Typically a few other players are added to the local roster. I remember growing up and hearing the stories, of Moses Malone, and Magic Johnson playing in the Capital Classic. I remember the excitement of Duke alumni prior to Coach K, as the top player in the nation, Gene Banks from West Philadelphia HS signed with the Blue-Devils and played in the Classic. I recall prior to my college days at Georgetown, the excitement in the DC area with the coming of Albert King to College Park, and the Capital Classic.

In my freshman year at Georgetown I remember talking my RA into helping me charter some GUTS buses to the Capital Centre. The end of the college basketball season had left us wanting to see more basketball. We were able to charter about 6 GUTS buses. As we sat in Healey circle, we talked about the just completed NCAA tournament, and then headed off to Landover, Maryland. It was one of the greatest Capital Classics ever as Ralph Sampson led the Capital All-Stars to a close victory over the US All-Stars led by Clark Kellogg (Ohio State), Sam Bowie (Kentucky), and Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins (the Human Highlight Film). In my sophomore year, the game was much less hyped, but a few of us still drove out to Capital Centre to see the Classic that featured future Celtic coach Doc Rivers. We all thought that we would never again see an event like the Ralph Sampson-Dominique Wilkins Capital Classic. Then came the 1981 Classic. Georgetown had already recruited a monster power forward Ralph Dalton, along with McDonald's All-Americans Bill Martin and Anthony Jones. Anthony Jones from DC Dunbar HS was the Washington Post Player of the Year and one of the primary targets of Dean Smith's UNC Tar Heels and every major college team. Hopes were high already for the 1981-82 Hoyas as in 1980 we had lost a close game to Iowa in the Elite 8. However, the big news came when Patrick Ewing, the most highly recruited HS player of that generation announced that he would attend Georgetown. Immediately the Capital Center was sold out. I gathered my old RA and freshman year floor-mates at Loyola (now LXR) to buy tickets for the game. We soon realized there were not enough GUTS buses to take all the students who wanted to go to the game. There were a few buses chartered and the Hoya students were on our way. I still remember the Capital All-Stars taking the court as Bill Martin, Anthony Jones, and Patrick Ewing did 360 dunks one after another. Little did I realize that seeing a late bloomer from North Carolina, Michael Jordan, have a break out game was a sign of things to come. Indeed Patrick Ewing was the MVP of the Capital Classic, and we all had seen the beginning of the Hoyas playing in three of four national championship games.

The Capital Classic has evolved over the years and has played in many different venues including the MCI Center, Smith Center, Patriot Center, Comcast Center, and Bender Arena. There are now many HS All-Star games across the country with the McDonald's All-American Game being the biggest. There have been many recent stars over the last few years including Shaquille O'Nell, and LeBron James who played in the last Classic at Verizon Center. After Michael Jordan parted ways with the Washington Wizards he took the now Jordan Brand Classic to NYC leaving Washington, DC. However, a group has kept the Capital Classic alive here. It is now a different event, but no other HS All-Star game can boast the tradition, and the alumni that the Capital Classic has. So if you have completed your taxes like I just did last night, and still long to see some good basketball head out to AU's Bender Arena on April 15th. For the HoyaNation we will see a glimpse of our future team as Markel Starks, Nate Lubick, and Moses Abraham take the court. Look for me as we lead the cheer of "Hoya Saxa!"

Remember to attend the Men's Basketball Banquet on April 20th at Georgetown University's Leavey Center. To register go to:https://alumni.georgetown.edu/default.aspx?Page=EVNTEventDetail&EventID=1918

For info on the Capital Classic go to:http://www.thecapitalclassic.com/site8.aspx

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Vice-President Hoya Hoop Club-Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

One Shining Moment

2010-03-29T07:17:00.001-07:00

Jennifer Hudson's New Version of One Shining Moment

Let the Hoya Madness Begin!

2010-03-16T08:23:00.000-07:00

It seems like only yesterday when I was watching Kenner Summer League Basketball in McDonough. I spent many a summer night watching the Kenner league, as I have for many a year. Now after the Hoyas made a great run in the Big East Tournament, I found myself on the Acela train returning to DC to attend the NCAA Selection Show at Leo O’Donovan Hall with the Hoya faithful. It was quiet as I entered Leo’s and helped the Hoyas Unlimited staff place some Hoya towels, etc. on the tables. It was another great Selection Show. After missing the NCAA’s in 2009, the anticipation for the announcements ran high in the room. As we were making preparations, I had a nice chat with the chef at Leo’s a big Hoya fan himself!

The team slowly filtered into the room starting with Austin Freeman and Jason Clark. Next Chris Wright came followed by Greg Monroe and the rest of the team. Lastly, the coaches came in led by JT III. I had the opportunity to wish all of the coaches good luck in the NCAA’s. I also had brief chats with Austin, Chris, Jason, and Greg. I personally, was hoping for New Orleans, but we were sent to the Midwest Regional and Providence, RI. I sat in the corner watching the announcements with my HHC friends Rob Swain, and Art Yoon who came in from California. Seeing the Hoyas paired in the same draw with Ohio, Tennessee, and Ohio State brought out a surprised reaction from the crowd. Also, the Notre Dame matchup with Old Dominion caught the attention of our players. After the show ended the other students started to filter in for dinner. The players, coaches, and those who spent the week in NYC quickly left to catch up on some rest. The Hoyas Unlimited staff went back to their offices to begin travel plans. We all owe the Hoyas Unlimited & the rest of the Athletic Departments staffs a great deal of gratitude for their hard work in New York, and for the Selection Show.

I am hoping to see many Hoya fans in Providence. Our Hoya Hoop Club Communications team will be working hard in Providence to provide you with up-to-date information. Blogmaster John Hawkes will be joining me in Providence. I am still figuring out how the old NCAA office pools have evolved into this intense science of Bracketology? I will rely on my friends from Generations Burton and Roy to explain it to me. Well, I have my tickets, hotel, and flights all confirmed for Providence. It seems as if all the experts are calling the Midwest Region the most difficult region. That is okay, as we need to be ready to play any opponent. Any team in the NCAA tournament is an outstanding team. After all, it is March and that means Georgetown Time!

Good luck to our Georgetown Men’s Basketball Team!

We are Georgetown! Hoya Saxa!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

BET Finals 2010

2010-03-16T08:17:00.000-07:00

The Friday night semifinals of the Big East Tournament are certainly an unparalleled event. I knew that I needed to get some rest and be prepared for the evening. I slept late until about 7:30 AM and then got all of my Facebook Big East Tournament work done over the next few hours. It was a little cold, and rainy but I met my friends the Lucey’s on the Upper East Side for breakfast. We then took a stroll along 57th Street. We ended up at America House visiting the Jesuits and former Georgetown President Leo O’Donovan, S.J. I felt better as I met the wonderful people at America House and Father O’Donovan gave us the blessing for the evening. As time was flying by I knew I needed to get to the Affinia for the Pep Rally. I ran into Sapporo East for a pre-game meal of Ramen Noodles and then stood out in the rain waiting for a cab. Our HHC Pep Rally was wonderful with the band, cheerleaders, and our Hoyas Unlimited staff doing a great job.

I will see fellow Hoya Fans tonight at our pre-game reception at Stout NYC from 6:00-8:30 PM Stout NYC is on West 33rd Street between 6th and 7th Avenue on the Uptown part of the street. Please come if you are in Manhattan. We need to get ready to make some noise at MSG tonight. The sound I want to hear echoing through the stairwells of Madison Square Garden-The World’s Most Famous Arena tonight is “Hoya Saxa.”

We are Georgetown

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

BET Semifinals 2010

2010-03-13T05:49:00.000-08:00

We are Georgetown!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Home Finale--Focus on Verizon Center

2010-03-05T15:52:00.001-08:00

It seems like only yesterday that I was standing out in the rain in front of McDonough Gymnasium waiting for Midnight Madness to start. Playing in the Big East Conference is indeed like running a grueling marathon. In what was supposed to be a down year, the Big East has been as balanced and tough a conference as there is in the country. Yes, the Hoyas have had some thrilling victories, and some difficult losses. However, we now are in March, and everyone is hoping to catch fire at the end of the season. It is tempting to look to next week and the Big East Tournament in Madison Square Garden. Like the Frank Sinatra song, if you can make it there you can make it anywhere. I look forward to my trip next week to my second home, New York. However, looking to next week now would be a mistake. We have one big game left on Saturday, against a very physical, and talented Cincinnati team. It will be interesting to see the freshman phenom, Lance Stephenson of the Bearcats face the Hoya Triplets: Austin Freeman, Chris Wright, and Jason Clark. Please come out to Verizon Center and cheer on our Hoyas! We want some momentum going into next week’s tournament in New York.

As I mentioned in my last HHC Blog, we want to focus on making Verizon Center our House! We do not have any seniors on this team, so we need to come out and honor our team for playing their hearts out all season. Each one of us need to do everything we can to keep Georgetown fans only in the seats. It has been a long winter, so let’s finish the season right, and Rock the Verizon Center!

P.S. A Happy Belated Birthday to Dr. Bill Licamele (aka LicHoya)!

We are Georgetown!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Proud to Wear The Blue & Gray

2010-02-22T18:45:00.001-08:00

It has been a long week after our close loss to the Syracuse Orange last Thursday, February 18th. After falling behind in the first half, the Hoyas made a gallant effort that just fell short at Verizon Center. I do not think that any of us, including the players and coaches are satisfied with a moral victory, especially against a Big East opponent. Much has been made of the many rowdy Syracuse fans in all levels of Verizon Center but let’s get back to that later. I was happy to see the Hoyas battle back and compete for the game after falling behind. I was not satisfied with the final outcome, but we must understand that it is one game, and we still have several more key Big East games to play. To be a true Hoya, and wear the Blue & Gray, means you never give up, and you always support your team. We are defined by our actions and how we conduct ourselves.

After the Syracuse game, I made myself wait a few days before writing this blog post. It was difficult especially after a group of Syracuse fans blocked my car on H Street not allowing me to leave the Chinatown area for about 10 minutes. My theory is the ‘Cuse fans were trying to get inside our heads and psyche! It does not change the fact that it was Georgetown who won the first Big East Tournament Championship, and the last game at Manley Field House. It is Georgetown that has won the most Big East Tournament championships, and has won more regular season Big East Championships than the Syracuse Orange.

Getting back to the talk about Syracuse fans in the Verizon Center. I agree that we need to be more consistent about getting our fans into the Verizon Center. Our Athletic Department and Ticket Office have done a great deal of work trying to keep Hoya fans in the seats. I have heard all of the stories about being in Washington, D.C. and in a pro arena. While this may be true and these challenges are real--the answer is simple. We should only invite true Hoya fans to our games. Years ago (over 10 years ago) I used to invite my friends who were alumni of other schools to see their teams play. I no longer do that. I only invite Georgetown alumni or hard core Hoya fans to the Verizon Center. I can invite my other friends to Wizards or Capital Games. There are plenty of entertainment venues for me to invite my non-Hoya friends. For Georgetown games I only want to see hard core Hoya Fans in the seats--Fans who are Proud to Wear the Blue and Gray!

We are Georgetown!--No Syracuse fans can change that! Hoya Saxa!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Defining a Rivalry: Georgetown and the Big East

2010-01-21T07:17:00.000-08:00

As I sat in the ESPN Zone in Times Square yesterday watching Georgetown end the Pitt Panthers' 31 home game winning streak, I spent some time reflecting upon our most recent HHC posts by Kasper Statz (Col '10) and Leslie Tyburski (MSB '06). I was impressed by both of their comments about the evolution of rivalries, and their relevance to basketball fans today. It reminded me of Commisioner Paul Tagliabue's comments on the Jesuit concept of "Composition of Place," made at the Georgetown Leadership weekend last year. I will get back to my thoughts on sports rivalries, but let's first talk about the Georgetown-Pitt game.

If you have never attended a game at the Petersen Events Center. It is perhaps the most impressive modern facility I have ever seen, even more so than the Comcast, or John Paul Jones Center. The Pitt students wearing their "Zoo" T-shirts certainly provide a formidable home-court advantage. It was an old-fashioned physical Big East contest, where both teams played impressively throughout. In my opinion, Chris Wright had his best performance as a Hoya considering the opponent and the venue. It was certainly a team effort as always for Georgetown, with Julian Vaughn and Greg Monroe making key inside baskets, and crashing both the offensive and defensive boards. Georgetown became the only team other than Louisville to win more than one game at the Petersen Center.

Getting back to our discussion of sports rivalries, as basketball fans we must certainly admire Jamie Dixon for the job he has done. Pitt has been a perennial contender for both the Big East Men's Basketball regular season and tournament championships for many years. In reading Kasper and Leslie's excellent posts I certainly understand how our rivalries have evolved over the years. It is understandable that for those who did not grow up with Big East and Georgetown Basketball, it is hard to understand the significance of a Georgetown-Syracuse rivalry as for our current students it started before they were even born. It is interesting that we have just played Pitt, and have tough games with Rutgers this Saturday, and the Orange of Syracuse on Monday night in the Carrier Dome. I concur with Leslie that we often relive and reflect on the "Glory Days by Embellishing Moments in Time." I am certainly as guilty as anyone of this. However, I would argue that they certainly do hold true in the present! I think where we differ is in our definition of a "Rivalry."

As one basketball fan, I do agree that rivalries, evolve and things change over time. Furthermore, I do think that there are generational differences in how we all view sports in general. Certainly, you can make a good argument that Georgetown has significant rivalries with every team in the Big East especially Pitt since we have competed for the Big East Championship numerous times in recent history. However, I would argue that to be a sports rivalry that is synonymous with the Big East, or what I would call a Legendary Rivalry one needs to have at least two things:
1) Two teams that have battled for championships.
2) A Defining moment in history.

As Leslie pointed out there are certainly regional factors involved in rivalries. For myself, rivalries like Michigan-Ohio State, or Green Bay vs Chicago hold no meaning for me. I did not grow up in that environment. When I think of Legendary Rivalries I think of the Redskins-Cowboys, Army-Navy, Yankees-Red Sox, Ali-Frazier, and Georgetown-Syracuse. If you look at the rivalry I consider to be the greatest rivalry in Sports: the Redskins-Cowboys, you see how they have battled for their division for many years--perhaps not recently though. I also can never forget how the former infamous Redskins coach lived for that rivalry. Who can forget that on New Year's Day in 1973 the Washington Post shouting "Happy 1973 We are a Winner at Last!" as the Redsking routed the defending Super Bowl Champion Dallas Cowboys. I would contend that moment has transcended time. Likewise, it is hard to understand how in the early days of the Big East it was considered impossible that a new conference made up of Northeast schools could be mentioned with the Big Ten, ACC, and PAC-10. John Thompson, Jr. was certainly a master psychologist understanding that in our Big East Championship Game with St. John's in 1985 he needed to wear that sweater to lighten the mood, and get his team focussed on playing the game instead of being caught up in the Georgetown-St. John's rivalry. Certainly, college sports has become more of a global phenomenon like our own alma mater, Georgetown. As I have spent the last few days in NYC, I cannot imagine things ever being like 1980-1985 again. In those days on every street in the 5 boroughs of New York, all anyone could talk about is that Georgetown was playing Syracuse or St. John's for a championship. It was truly like a Heavyweight Fight!

As students of Georgetown we know that we are defined by our actions. Who can forget Jonathan Wallace nailing that 3-pointer against North Carolina in the Meadowlands, or Jeff Green's series of late game heroics helping propel Georgetown to the 2007 Final Four. These are certainly events that will transcend time. Likewise, Sleepy Floyd hitting those last two free throws to close Manley Field House are in my opinion events that will forever define the Big East Conference and even College Basketball. Well enough of my reliving the glory days. The Big East Conference today means that on any day, any team can easily win. We must take one game at a time. As a big fan of the TV Show Smallville, I love the trailer to the episode as the famous relationship between Clark Kent and Lois Lane takes off. In that episode they state, "There are Moments that define a Legend; then there are moments that are Legendary!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtJuZEJA4DE

Congrats to JT III and the Hoyas for the great win at Pitt. Let's be prepared for every game and cheer on the Hoyas!

We are Georgetown!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong
Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Chicago Road Trip: New Year's 2010

2010-01-01T20:14:00.000-08:00

It still seems very strange to me travelling to the Midwest for a Big East Conference Game? Chicago has always been one of my very favorite cities in spite of the bitter cold. When I arrived at O'Hare today the famed icey wind hit me as soon as I went outside. Today I begin my weekend in Chicago starting with breakfast at my all time favorite Lou Mitchell's. Getting ready for the Bulls-Magic game tonight at United Center. Hoya Saxa!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Vice-President Hoya Hoop Club--Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Big Man U: A Double Hoya's Trip to the Wooden Classic & The West

2009-12-15T21:48:00.000-08:00

Since the 100th anniversary celebration of Georgetown Basketball and the Hoyas run to the Final Four in 2007 I have longed for G-Town to play in the Wooden Classic. I remember Rich Chvotkin and I discussing the top basketball programs in the modern era at the Ritz-Carlton. Georgetown and UCLA were certainly at the top of the list. I vividly remember the day that John Wooden, the Wizard of Westwood, came to speak at the Washington Metropolitan summer basketball camp. Since I was a young boy I have idolized John Wooden. His famous book, "They Call Me Coach," which contains his Pyramid of Success, has always been the standard for me on what a coach/teacher should be. Over the last few years I have heard the news that Georgetown now has more applicants from the state of California than any other state. It seems like only yesterday when the news of the Hoyas playing in the Wooden Classic hit the press. I remember the word spread like wildfire, and that my iPhone and Blackberry were buzzing day and night. It was a game and road trip that I would not miss.

Earlier in the week I arrived in Manhattan for the Jimmy V Classic. I thought about how the arrival of the then Lew Alcindor, from New York's Power Memorial High School on the UCLA campus, had helped catapult the school into national basketball prominence. Indeed it set the stage for the arrival of Bill Walton, and all of the famous big men who have attended UCLA. Likewise, when I returned to my old neighborhood in Stuyvesant town, it seemed like only yesterday when I moved to New York, and was able to see Patrick Ewing start his Hall of Fame career with the New York Knicks. Indeed Patrick had also helped to set the stage for Alonzo Mourning, Dikembe Mutombo, and the other great big men who have come to the Hilltop in the modern era. Indeed it began a great week for the Hoyas, as Georgetown defeated two top basketball programs in Butler, and the University of Washington.

The day of the Wooden Classic, I got on the road early leaving Westwood for Anaheim. I parked in the lot at the Honda Center waiting for the NCAL Hoyas RV to arrive. I had a great time with friends Drew McGowan, Alan Greene, Roberto Lartigue, Elaine Kulm, and indeed made many new friends with the many CAL Hoyas. I met HU Director Bill Johnson at the Honda Center as we placed flyers on the seats reminding the GU alumni that our post-game party was moving across the street to JT Schmid's. I was very nervous about this game since seeing films of Isaiah Thomas, and the very athletic Washington Huskies. Georgetown surged in the second half to a big win for JT III and the team. It was thrilling to see all of the Georgetown fans in the Honda Center, and to hear the arena echo with the sound of Hoya cheers. My good friend Art Yoon gave me a tour of the UCLA campus, before I left. I have always loved the beautiful UCLA campus. However, nothing can for me compare to walking into Healey Circle, especially during the Holidays. Art and I hit the LA institution Apple Pan, and watched some football before I headed for LAX and the flight home. New York will always be my second home, but on this weekend in California with the many great Hoya alumni, friends, and fans I have found another home in the state of California. Thanks to the many Hoya alumni in California and the West for making the Wooden Classic a truly special Georgetown event! Hoya Saxa! We are Georgetown!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President & Director of Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

A Double Hoya Heads West--In a New York Minute

2009-12-10T20:06:00.000-08:00

Many of us long time Hoya fans enjoy a West Coast trip. The NCAA West Regional has historically been good for the Blue & Gray. When I saw the return of A.I. to the Philadelphia 76ers this week I got chills when I heard the announcer say, "From Georgetown #3 Allen Iverson." Allen was for many years the fastest man baseline to baseline in all of basketball. When I make my trip from Dulles Airport tomorrow to the West Coast, I will have many fond memories of the Jimmy V Classic in my other hometown, New York City!

After reading John Hawkes HHC Blog, I regret not having a NY deli sandwich. When I head back up to Manhattan before the end of the Holidays I need to visit Katz's deli for a pastrami sandwich. On this past trip for the Jimmy V, I did not have time for many meals but did have some wonderful "Mabo Ramen" at one of my favorite places, Sapporo, right off Duffy Square. I later had a giant hot dog with my good friend and fellow GU Board of Governors member Caragh Moynihan Lengle. Being a former swimmer myself, I was fascinated to hear that Caragh and her husband Chris Lengle were former Hoya swimmers.

It was great seeing the Hoyas beat a good Butler team. It was a different atmosphere than the Big East Tournament, but it is still the World's Most Famous Arena! It was great seeing Pat Ewing, Jr. cheering on the Hoyas! This Jimmy V Classic was special for me as I got to meet many of my new Georgetown friends as well as seeing so many of my fellow Hoya Hoop Club Board members. I met another Double Hoya at our post-game reception at Stout NYC--if you are reading this please send me a message! I am looking forward to seeing many of my West Coast friends in California on Saturday. It will be my first time attending the Wooden Classic. I am actually going to be staying in Westwood, home of John Wooden: "The Wizard of Westwood." I am looking forward to it. However, I am still really enjoying the time I had at the Jimmy V with Caragh, Chris, and my fellow Hoyas! There is nothing better than spending time with good friends in MSG. New York will always be home to me. Now it is time to pack for a West Coast Trip. Hoya Saxa!

We are Georgetown!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President--Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Hoya Road Trip Week--The Jimmy V in NYC and the Wooden Classic in CA

2009-12-06T19:46:00.001-08:00

They call it the city game. There is nothing like a great basketball road trip. This week will be one of my most ambitious road trip's going from New York back to DC, and then to California for the Wooden Classic. It will be great to see friends on both coasts as I prepare for the Holidays. We will have a great HHC Holiday Party on Campus at Leo's before the December 19th game at McDonough vs Old Dominion. However Butler and the Washington Huskies will be strong tests for our team. We are Georgetown!

Please check out the Holiday Videos Before:

Dr. Thomas A.Wong

Vice-President Hoya Hoop Club--Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

The Chinatown Gang

2009-11-21T05:38:00.000-08:00

Very little time passes before I think of Arnold "Red" Auerbach. In some ways I always see him linked to Georgetown Basketball through his relationship with John Thompson, Jr. Red was one of the few people who coach Thompson always listened to. I do not know of anyone knowledgeable about basketball who did not listen to Red. One of my prized possessions is an autographed copy of the book, Let Me Tell You A Story. Anything signed by Red would be special for me. I still remember my days in summer basketball camp hearing the great stories Red would tell. I doubt there was anyone who could tell the wonderful stories that came from Red Auerbach. Anyway, the book tells the story of Red and his friends who met in D.C.'s Chinatown every Tuesday for lunch at the fabled China Inn, and later at the China Doll--two of the historic D.C. Chinatown restaurants that no longer exist. Chinatown in D.C. has always been a small area of at most 2-3 blocks that is even smaller today.

As HHC Blogmaster John Hawkes and I have been working with the new Hoya Hoop Club Communications Committee I thought it would be appropriate for us to meet on a Tuesday, after the Hoyas Home Opener against Temple. Thankfully, the Hoyas escaped with a come from behind win. In the tradition of Red Auerbach and D.C. basketball I decided to have our meeting over dinner at Tony Cheng's Restaurant in Chinatown. Sitting upstairs in our group, I am hoping to start a new tradition. Tony Cheng's on the second floor is perhaps the last of the old guard in Chinatown. At Georgetown it is always about tradition. Our HHC communications group had a great meal, and talked about some serious basketball. I am hoping this will be the return of another Chinatown Gang, a group of Georgetown Hoyas who truly love basketball and are serious basketball fans.

John Thompson: "I've never been around a man who managed men in my life any better than Red Auerbach. Particularly, the egos he had to deal with, the cross cultures he had to deal with and all the variations in the kinds of people that I saw him be associated with."

We are Georgetown! Hoya Saxa! Coach Auerbach--This one is for you and D.C. Basketball!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Vice-President Hoya Hoop Club & Director of Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Georgia Road-Trip

2009-11-20T18:31:00.000-08:00

Again the Hoyas head South for another road-trip against the Savannah State Tigers. The Tigers are coached by former Hoya guard Horace Broadnax. Horace is a former Florida High School Player of the Year who turned down many other offers to play at the Hilltop. Horace was a key member of the 1984 NCAA Championship Team. He probably would have been a starter on many other Hoya teams, but willingly accepted his role as a backup to Michael Jackson and David Wingate. Horace was a crowd favorite at Capital Centre. I still remember the day when after a jump ball, he fired a shot almost from half-court earning him the nickname: “Half-court Horace.” Horace Broadnax was also a great defender--a true Hoya!

Savannah State is currently 2-1 with a loss to North Florida. They have been led this season by the trio of Louis Arnold, Tracy Rankin, and Rashad Hassan. The Tigers finished 16-15 a year ago and are looking to test the Hoyas in their 6,000 seat arena. I have been encouraged to hear that many of my Hoya friends are attending the game tomorrow in Georgia. I know that coach JT III and the team love to see some cheering Hoya fans and some “Blue and Gray” on the road. So for any of the HoyaNation residing in Georgia who have not bought tickets, please consider attending the game. It is very important that we continue to have a good start to the 2009-10 season with our very difficult schedule. I wanted to remind all Hoya fans to make sure they join the Hoya Hoop Club. Coach JT III and our team need everyone’s support. Each and every member is important. We have some wonderful events coming up, e.g.post-game events at the Jimmy V Classic in New York, and at the Wooden Classic in California. There will also have our Annual Holiday Party prior to the Old Dominion game in McDonough on Saturday December 19th so mark your calendars.

For a last piece of good news, former Hoya coach John Thompson, Jr. was one of the three recipients of the second annual Lapchick character awards at Madison Square Garden on November 19, 2009. The award is named after former Hall of Fame coach Joe Lapchick, who coached at St. John’s and the New York Knicks. The other recipients were the late Kate Yow of N.C. State, and legendary high school coach Jack Curran of Archbishop Malloy. Congratulations to coach Thompson! Coach Thompson and Savannah State coach Horace Broadnax make us proud to be Hoyas! Let’s get out the games and support our team!

Hoya Saxa! We are Georgetown!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Vice-President Hoya Hoop Club--Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Georgetown University: Georgetown Cheer Ad

2009-11-19T14:58:00.001-08:00

Georgetown University: Georgetown Cheer Ad

Posted using ShareThis

The Hoyas and the Big Easy

2009-11-11T02:19:00.000-08:00

Fans of the HoyaNation know that there has been a long history of great players recruited from the state of Louisiana. The names Steve Martin, Joey Brown, Perry McDonald, Jaren Jackson, and current Hoya Greg Monroe immediately come to mind. It has been many a year since the Hoyas have travelled to New Orleans for a game. Indeed the NCAA Championship game in 1982 will forever be remembered as one of the greatest games in college basketball history.

However this game on November 13th at Fogelman Arena on the campus of Tulane University will be a different type of game. The season opener will be an important test for the Hoyas, as the Tulane Green Wave of Conference USA features an explosive backcourt in guards Kevin Sims and Kris Richards. Playing on the road is always important preparation for the Big East Conference season.

If you are in New Orleans and are attending the game please note the Georgetown Club will host two events. There will be a pre-game tailgate near Tulane's Fogelman Arena at the Monroe Quad. There will be some giveaways courtesy of the Hoya Hoop Club. The GU club asks for a $10 donation to help cover their costs. There will be post-game drinks at Bruno's Tavern at 7538 Maple Street approximately 5 blocks from the arena. The Hoya Hoop Club is working hard to collaborate with the GU alumni clubs around the country to reach out to our members and Hoya fans.

Our Hoya Communications Committee is excited about the 2009-10 season. Please join the Hoya Hoop Club to support Coach JT III and our players. We need your support that starts with becoming a member. We are working hard to improve communication with our members. We will have improved content on our HHC official Blog, our Facebook Page, and Twitter. I did a recent interview on Talking Hoyas Podcast along with Porter Grant. Prior to the Tulane Game our new WebPage will be going live. We are also looking at many other new and innovative ways to reach HHC members. Lastly, let's make sure that we have only Georgetown fans at Verizon Center. I only invite Hoya fans to come to games with me as we need to build our Home Court advantage. If you cannot attend a home game you can donate your tickets back to GU online and keep Hoya fans in the seats. Are you ready for the season to begin? Let's go Hoyas!

We are Georgetown! Hoya Saxa!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Vice-President Hoya Hoop Club--Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Hoyaween: Focus on John Bay Bay Duren

2009-10-31T05:47:00.001-07:00

Halloween is always special at Georgetown as we look down the Exorcist steps. Today we focus on former Hoya great John "Bay Bay" Duren. John was perhaps the greatest pure point guard to ever play on the Hilltop. In the earlier days of the JT Jr. era before GU became ""Big Man University," John Duren along with Craig Shelton came from the #1 ranked high school team in the nation, Dunbar High School. John received many awards, e.g. ECAC Holiday Festival tournament MVP, all Big East and All-American honors, as well as becoming the first Big East Player of the Year in 1979-80. John played a few injury shortened seasons in the NBA after being a first round draft choice. Bay Bay's career really catapulted into the national spotlight after making the Pan American team coached by Bob Knight and playing in those famous games in Puerto Rico.

However, to truly understand the greatness of John Duren you needed to have seen him play for the Hoyas. Although he was an excellent shooter both from the outside and the free throw line, that was not his strength. He was powerfully-built, a strong defender, a sure ball handler, and the perfect quarterback for the Heart Attack Hoyas. John did all of the little things like dive on the floor to steal a pass. He did the things that won games, but did not necessarily show up in the box score. On this Halloween 2009 we honor a former Hoya great John, "Bay Bay" Duren. I still remember the great Red Auerbach marvelling over his play. Red did not do that often. I can still hear his voice echoing down the cafeteria line at New South. John was the leader of those Hoya teams.

To read more about John Duren go the Georgetown Basketball History Project at:

http://www.hoyabasketball.com/features/top100/j_duren.htm

We are Georgetown! Hoya Saxa!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President and Director of Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Georgetown Midnight Madness 2009--The Thriller

2009-10-18T12:57:00.000-07:00

What was life before Georgetown Midnight Madness? Although Georgetown MM is a recent phenomenon, I really have to think about when I did not revolve my schedule around spending that special evening at McDonough Arena. After last year's difficult season, I have especially looked forward to the start of the basketball season. Once again JT III invited Lou Canellis and Bill Raftery to cover the event on ESPNU for our third consecutive season. Our new revamped Hoya Communications Committee did extensive coverage of the event. John Hawkes once again coordinated our official HHC Blogs, while I worked to do the Facebook coverage. Ali Filipowicz had our new HHC Twitter efforts up and running giving us minute by minute updates. I will work with Talking Hoyas Podcast before the start of the season to discuss Midnight Madness, the Open Practice on October 24th, and the upcoming season. The Podcast will help educate Hoya BB fans as to need to increase our HHC membership to support JT III & our basketball program.

You can find additional Hoya Hoop Club Midnight Madness Coverage here:

Hoya Hoop Club Blog: http://guhoyas.cstv.com/genrel/101809aab.html

Hoya Hoop Club Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hoya-Hoop-Club/108495557266?ref=ts

Hoya Hoop Club Twitter: http://twitter.com/HoyaHoopClub

As Friday and Midnight Madness approached I knew the projected weather forecast of rain would make the evening more difficult, but would not deter the Hoya faithful. I fought through the ever worsening Northern Virginia traffic spending time at my medical center offices in Reston, and Falls Church. The traffic at Tyson's Corner is just terrible any time it rains. As my brother and I headed down Connecticut Avenue, I was worried about missing some of the preliminary festivities. As the guard waived me into the parking lot off of Canal Road, I realized my fears were unwarranted. There was a hard core group of students dancing to the DJ and getting their Georgetown Jordan Brand T-shirts. However, many had gone back to their dorms avoiding the heavy rain and cold temperatures. My brother and I were luckily able to enter the gym early as the preliminary activities were soon moved inside to see the 2008-09 highlight videos.

I got a chance to have a nice chat with Coach JT III as we watched the late arriving crowd begin to fill in. Our section of the balcony soon filled with our new communications group of Blogmaster John Hawkes, Ali Filipowicz, and other HHC Board members Kurt Mulbauer, Rich McHugh, Events Chair Karen Schneider, and the infamous LicHoya! We even had out of town guests like former Hoya star quarterback Bruce Simmons.

Veteran Verizon Center announcer Chris Paul got the crowd going showing ESPNU and the nation some Hoya Love! We were treated to some great dancing performances by Groove Theory, the GU Step Team, and the Hoya Cheerleaders. There was a shooting contest between the freshman and the sophomores. The freshman lost and had to do push-ups. A few students were invited from the stands to participate in a free throw shooting contest which was not a pretty sight, as not a single shot was made. It has been often rumored that free throw shooting is affected by the water in Georgetown.

The Men's and Women's Basketball team put on quite a dancing show. Even Nikita Mescheriakov looked like he has been rehearsing since last year! The highlight of the performance was JT III's tribute to Michael Jackson as he put on the Glove and directed the Hoyas in a choreographed Thriller Dance. As coach mentioned to Bill Raftery on ESPNU, dancing and defense are very similar.

As usual Midnight Madness is a first look at the incoming freshman: Hollis Thompson from Los Angeles, Vee Sanford from Kentucky, Jerrelle Benimon from Virginia, and walk-on Stephen Stepka from Fairfax, VA. All of the freshmen showed great athleticism. Hollis Thompson looked very smooth and versatile, while Vee Sanford showed some hops and explosiveness. Sanford was even singled out by JT III to do some solo dance steps.

As I left McDonough Arena I thought about all of the great basketball events I had seen there. The debut of Patrick Ewing. The Kenner League debuts of Michael Graham and Reggie Williams come to mind as well as the legendary debut of Allen Iverson. I remember the appearance of Dikembe Mutombo at Midnight Madness as well as his Kenner League MVP performances. The unveiling of the NBA jerseys of Jeff Green and Roy Hibbert had been great moments, along with this year's uveiling of DaJuan Summers Detroit Pistons jersey. However, my favorite sight at McDonough is the Final Four Banners along with the 1984 NCAA Championship Banner. After all, at Georgetown it is always about the team first! I remember when the 2007 banner was unveiled, the noise level in McDonough was as loud as I can ever remember. When the team went through practice drills at Midnight Madness it reminds us of all the hard work our team goes through. Our student-athletes are truly special. If you are an active Hoya Hoop Club member please consider coming to the team's open practice next Saturday October 24th. You can find more information as well as how to RSVP through the official guhoyas.com website. If you are not a current member please consider joining and supporting our team and Georgetown! The HHC communications group will continue to bring you coverage during the year with the Open Practice being our next event. Georgetown Midnight Madness 2009 was truly a Thriller!

We are Georgetown! Hoya Saxa!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President and Communications Director

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Life Begins at Midnight Madness

2009-10-14T22:14:00.000-07:00

Since my days as a student living in Village A W-203 I have looked forward to the month of October. I love the autumn weather with the chill in the air, football games, the World Series, and best of all the start of the college basketball season. Midnight Madness was started by Lefty Driesell at the University of Maryland in 1970 and is now a major event at most major college basketball programs. For most of the career of John Thompson, Jr. the Hoyas did not participate in all of the hype. GTown simply had our players show up to their first practice on a Saturday morning to closed doors. Like many of my gym rat basketball friends, I have spent many an evening playing pick-up games at Yates or in the courts in front of McDonough Gymnasium. We often had to be chased out of Yates as Greg Spriggs wanted to close down the gym. We dreamt of hearing the roar of the crowd, and serving up the alley-oop to Patrick Ewing.

Georgetown Midnight Madness has evolved into another one of those unique Hoya experiences. The students led by Hoya Blue lead the cheers, and enjoy burgers from the GU Grilling Society. It is often the showcase for the new college basketball video games. As the doors prepare to open, students line up in front of the giant inflatable Jack the Bulldog. It is a magical evening as the mobile phones and cameras light up the gym to the roar of the crowd. Students, and potential recruits watch with delight as the men's and women's basketball teams, cheerleaders, stepping teams, etc. show put on a show. Coach JT III leads his team in the cheer: "We are Georgetown!" For one day, one evening the world is simple again. We are all looking to see the first college glimpse of the next Georgetown superstar in the tradition of Ewing, Mourning, and Mutombo. Yet we all know at Georgetown it is about the team first! We should be all proud to see our team as they travel around the country well dressed in suits and ties unlike many other programs. After all we are all proud to wear the Blue & Gray! We are Georgetown!

Our Hoya Hoop Club Communication team will be working hard all evening to post information on Midnight Madness in our HHC Blog, Facebook Fan Page and on Twitter (@hoyahoopclub). So whether you are in McDonough, watching on campus, or on ESPNU, if you look and listen you can probably see the flashing lights and the roar of the crowd. Hoya Saxa! Let the year begin!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Countdown to Midnight Madness: Week 1 The Game of the Century

2009-10-08T18:06:00.000-07:00

There have been very few events in the history of college sports like the December 11, 1982 game between Georgetown and Virginia, and the battle of their centers Patrick Ewing and Ralph Sampson. While it is impossible to compare teams and players from different eras, there is no doubt that this was one of the most hyped regular season games in college basketball history. The game was a $1.25 million dollar production, in front of a sold out Capital Centre. It was a unique made for television game that helped launch Ted Turner's WTBS Cable Super Station. Georgetown would lose this night 68-63, in a tightly contested game. The only other college basketball game of similar magnitude had been the Elvin Hayes-Lew Alcindor matchup in 1968 in the Astrodome. Tickets were scalping for up to $300-$500, an enormous sum in the early 1980's.

The game was a contrast between the senior-led Virginia Cavaliers and the reigning college player of the year 7-4 Ralph Sampson, and the young Hoyas fresh off a close NCAA championship loss to Michael Jordan and the North Carolina Tar Heels. Patrick Ewing had skyrocketed into the national limelight with his dominating performance in the national title game. It was the battle of the young and old, Big East vs. ACC. The Hoyas were ice cold through the first half as their youth and inexperience was evident. However, it was the first time senior Ralph Sampson had faced a player who could block his shot, as sophomore sensation Patrick Ewing had come to play. In the second half the Hoyas made a furious comeback. As John Thompson, Jr. would say it was more sheer determination than execution as the Hoyas vaunted all-court press almost brought the Virginia Cavaliers to their knees. However, it was too little too late. There was one exchange that will forever be remembered. Ralph Sampson took a back-door lob pass over Patrick Ewing for a dunk. Then Ewing called for the ball, and delivered what I consider to be the greatest dunk in college basketball history, as he turned into Ralph Sampson and threw down a ferocious tomahawk dunk as the crowd roared. Even Sampson had to admit that it was a great "dunk." Bullets GM and many NBA scouts would marvel that they now understood the true power of the future NBA #1 Pick Patrick Ewing.

Although in this last of the Countdown to Midnight Madness games, the Hoyas suffered a disappointing loss. John Thompson, Jr. was prophetic in saying that he would not trade Patrick Ewing. The Hoyas would go on to two more Final Fours and NCAA Championship games in the next three years. They would learn a great deal from this game and season. They would learn about teamwork, defense, and rebounding. They would go on to win the NCAA Championship in 1984, and become one of the most dominant teams in NCAA basketball history. Indeed this game was not just Patrick Ewing against Ralph Sampson. The Georgetown Hoyas have always been about the team first as Michael Jackson, David Wingate and others would help lead the Hoyas comeback. After this night, Ralph Sampson would go on to an injury-ridden lackluster NBA career whereas Patrick Ewing would become the New York Knicks' all-time leading scorer, an NBA Hall of Famer, and one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History. Indeed the victory over Duke at Verizon Center in 2006 was a game for the ages, but this game on December 11, 1982 was an historic event much larger than just college basketball. There was something different in the air.

To read more go to:

http://www.nytimes.com/packages/html/sports/year_in_sports/12.11.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/tipoff/longterm/2006/basketball/hoyas82.html

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/magazine/features/si50/states/virginia/flashback/

We are Georgetown! Hoya Saxa! Let the Madness Begin!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Countdown to Midnight Madness: Week 2 Beast of the East, the Big East vs. the ACC

2009-10-02T05:56:00.000-07:00

December 5, 1979 GU routs Maryland 83-71 at the DC Armory. In one of the legendary games in DC basketball history, the Hoyas dissected a powerful Maryland team that would dominate the ACC going on to a #8 national ranking. In 1978, Eric "Sleepy Floyd" had his coming out party as GTown downed the Terrapins 68-65 in Landover, MD. However, many in the area considered that a deviation as the ACC was the most feared basketball conference in the country, and Maryland led by Albert King was expected to flex its muscles vs Georgetown. However, it was the duo of former DC Dunbar stars John Duren and Craig Shelton who controlled the flow of the game and not the more heralded Albert King, and Ernie Graham. 6 foot 7 inch shooting guard Ernie Graham from MD was terrorizing the country with 40 point shooting performances. Yet it was once again "Sleepy Floyd" who dominated Ernie Graham with a sizzling shooting performance, and great defense blocking several of Ernie Graham's shots and using pressure "D" to take him out of its rhythm. The Hoyas were in control throughout to the surprise of many college basketball experts. There was a great intensity in the crowd as John Thompson, Jr. and Lefty Driesell had to be separated at mid-court in the midst of their famed shouting match. Only the two of them will ever know what was said, but this confrontation was followed by many years where GU and Maryland would not schedule each other. The Hoyas would again soundly defeat ACC champion MD in the NCAA tournament that year on their way to the Elite 8. Indeed this was one of the great teams in Hoya history. This season would see the formation of the Big East Conference where Georgetown would share the Big East Regular Season title with Syracuse, and St. John's and then win the first Big East Conference Tournament. Georgetown was given the coveted title of "Beast of the East" and lead the Big East Conference to national prominence. Indeed on this night in Washington, D.C., right in the view of the US Capitol, was the start of a great basketball conference and a shift in local power from Maryland to Georgetown. Thanks to that Hoya team ('79-'80) for leading the rise of Georgetown and the Big East in the Modern Era! We are Georgetown! Hoya Saxa!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong
Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Countdown to Midnight Madness: Week 3 Return of Brandon Bowman

2009-09-24T21:03:00.000-07:00

Dec 6, 2003 Brandon Bowman leads balanced Hoya attack as Georgetown routs Davidson 71-53 at home. After the Big East Tournament in 2003 there was much doubt as to the future of the Big East conference. The ACC's recruitment of Miami and Virginia Tech left the Big East Conference with a large void of football powers. There was also the eventual defection of Boston College and the even the rumors of Syracuse going to the ACC. To make matters worse, Mike Sweetney entered the NBA draft, and former Montrose Christian backcourt stars Tony Bethel and Drew Hall transferred. The Hoyas did have some solid players in Gerald Riley, Courtland Freeman, and Ashanti Cook, but there was the threat of Brandon Bowman transferring that would have left the Hoyas without any size in the frontcourt. I was having dinner in the Tombs that summer and gave my waitor the good news that Brandon had decided to return to the team. He jumped for joy at the news. The return of Mr. Bowman and the eventual survival of the Big East conference was cause for celebration on the Hilltop. Brandon was one of the few Hoya players to have grown several inches after matriculating at Georgetown. Mr. Bowman would go on to finish his career on the Hilltop leading the team into the JT III era. On this Homecoming weekend Georgetown Basketball fans owe a great deal of debt to Mr. Brandon Bowman. We hope to see you in an NBA uniform in the Verizon Center again hearing the intro of "Brandon Bow-Bow-Bow Bowman!" We are Georgetown! Enjoy Homecoming Weekend!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

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

2009-09-22T20:44:00.000-07:00

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.

JT III Foundation supporting the Washington Jesuit Academy

2009-09-20T06:40:00.000-07:00

The JT III Foundation fosters community-based charities that serve at-risk families with a primary focus on education and health care. This past Friday, I made it through the work week preparing with other doctors for the flu season. I then headed for the JT III Foundation benefit dinner at the Ronald Reagan building. It was wonderful seeing so many Hoyas, from President DeGioia, and his wife Theresa, to other WJA and Georgetown alumni, staff, and volunteers. We heard moving talks from coach JT III and his wife Monica, WJA President Bill Whitaker, and Honorary Chair Sheila Johnson. One of the evenings highlights was hearing the final remarks from WJA Class of 2006 Valedictorian, and current Georgetown Prep student Blair Meek. He gave a moving talk on his WJA experience and what it means to live the Jesuit mission of "Men and Women for Others." Master of Ceremonies Leon Harris from WJLA-TV even expressed his concern that Blair would soon be after his job! It was good to see many of the former Hoya players like Jeff Green, Tyler Crawford, and Jonathan Wallace there to support the foundation. Monica Thompson, and Coach JT III deserve a great deal of credit for the tremendous work their Foundation is doing for the youth and families of the District of Columbia.

After the evening I rushed home to get some sleep, and packed my bags and laptop for Turkey Thicket Park. The JT III Foundation sponsored their third annual community festival. The entire team came out to put on a basketball clinic and meet with the children and families from the community. I provided an education table with materials on ocular health, concentrating on glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. I enjoyed meeting many people including Councilman Harry James from Ward 5. We had a great time as the weather could not have been more ideal. We finished up the afternoon with some of the attendees and players dancing up a storm, led by Austin Freeman, Henry Sims, and Greg Monroe.

I next packed my bags for Gonzaga HS to see my Alma Mater Georgetown Prep battle the Eagles of Gonzaga. Unfortunately, Prep lost on a 27 yard FG with no time remaining on the clock. It was a great game though, and the money supports the WJA. I remembered President DeGioia telling me the night before, that both the football teams from Prep and Gonzaga attended a barbecue and Mass on Friday on the campus of Georgetown University. My how times have changed!

After the game I headed out New York Avenue to Route 50 meeting the GU Maryland Alumni Association for their crab feast at Mike's Crab House in Riva, Md. When I got the invite from fellow Hoya Derrek Lawson I just could not turn it out. What a great weekend it was supporting the JT III Foundation and the WJA Academy! It was special! Hoya Saxa!

P.S. To get a glimpse of a day at the Washington Jesuit Academy go to:

http://www.wjacademy.org/docs/CopyofWJA.Afternoons.mov

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Countdown to Midnight Madness: Week 4 The Legend of Allen Iverson

2009-09-17T20:36:00.000-07:00

Just yesterday I took the Amtrak to New York's Penn Station, and walked up 7th Avenue to my hotel room at the Doubletree Times Square. I was there for a day business meeting, but thought about that game on November 22, 1995 where the Hoyas crushed an outstanding nationally ranked Georgia Tech team 94-72 in the Pre-Season NIT. Indeed it was a sold out MSG crowd that came to see Allen Iverson, the fastest man from baseline to baseline. Not since the days of Alonzo Mourning had the Hoyas climbed to as high as #2 in the national rankings. In fact, George Michael on the Sports Machine was touting the Hoyas to rise to #1 by the end of the week. Alas the Arizona Wildcats, behind the slowdown tactics of Lute Olsen, were able to upset the Hoyas in the final preventing Georgetown's rise to the #1 ranking. Yet on this night, the athletic backcourt of Allen Iverson and Victor Paige put on a show in front of Macy's window. This Hoya team would finish the season with a #4 national ranking and would be one of the most exciting teams to wear the blue and grey.

As I walked down 42nd Street to my board meeting I kept thinking whether or not I should attend the Jimmy V Classic in December against #15 ranked Butler. As I passed Bryant Park, I ran into my friend and fellow member of the GU Board of Governors Class of 2008, Caragh Moynihan. We had a brief chat as I walked across Bryant Park to my new favorite restaurant, Szechuan Gourmet. As I walked across the Park I realized they were having a Victoria's Secret model show. As I boarded the Amtrak this morning on my way back to D.C. I realized that I should seriously consider attending the Jimmy V Classic. There is nothing like a college basketball game at MSG in "The City."

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Countdown to Midnight Madness: Week 5 Chess Match Between Coaching Legends

2009-09-10T20:51:00.000-07:00

December 6, 1979: Georgetown defeats Indiana 60-54 in Landover, Maryland. People forget that before the Ewing years, the Hoyas typically had two big games in December. We often played Maryland as well as another high profile team in the month of December. Indeed this Hoya victory helped propel GTown to a #12 final ranking. 1979 is usually remembered as the year Magic Johnson and MSU defeated Larry Bird and Indiana State. However, this game was indeed a coaching masterpiece as JT Jr. battled another future Hall of Famer: Bob Knight and his Indiana Hoosiers. The Hoyas were led by former Dunbar stars Craig Shelton, and John Duren as well as Eric Smith, and future NBA star Eric "Sleepy" Floyd. These two coaches understood that "Defense" wins championships. John Thompson, Jr. would build the GU program around this great nucleus prior to the arrival of Patrick Ewing. Indeed this was a team that in 1979-80 could have easily won an NCAA championship. At this time, Bob Knight was only 3 years removed from his undefeated NCAA championship game, and a year before the arrival of Isaiah Thomas and another Indiana NCAA championship for the Hoosiers in 1981. The Hoyas would lose to Indiana in December 1980 as the Hoosiers entered the game with a #1 Ranking. However, this victory in December at the Capital Centre would help propel the Hoyas into National Prominence. We are Georgetown!

Looking to Oct/Nov The US Open and the Amazins'

2009-09-08T17:10:00.001-07:00

Looking to Reggie & the Miracles: For the past several years I have attended the US Open watching tennis late into the night at Arthur Ashe Stadium. This year I saw some great matches again seeing Melanie Oudin, Rafael Nadal, Venus Williams and others. I also took a trip across the #7 train to the new Citifield the new home of the NY Mets. I had not been to a Mets game since the Mets World Series Championship Year of 1986. Indeed, before the resurgence of the Yankees in the 1990's the Mets were the toast of NY for much of the 80's led by young superstars Doc Gooden, Darryl Strawberry, and veteran leaders Keith Hernandez, and Gary Carter. As great a team as the Mets were they stumbled through the World Series falling behind the Boston Red Sox 3-2. Then with a little luck and an uncharacteristic error from Bill Buckner, the Mets rallied to win the World Series and capture the hearts of the City. Indeed the 1980's were a glorious time for sports from D.C. to New York. The Redskins and Giants both won multiple Super Bowls, and the Georgetown Hoyas played in 3 national championship games in 4 years. However, in 1986-87 the Hoyas were not the mighty team that had created the Hoya Paranoia craze. After the graduation of Patrick Ewing, Mark Jackson and Walter Berry at St. John's overpowered the Hoyas in the 85-86 season. Most people thought that the Hoyas would fall further in the 86-87 season with the lack of their vaunted power inside game. Former National HS Player of the Year Reggie Williams led the Hoyas with the help of Perry McDonald and a ferocious all-court defense back to prominence. Georgetown dominated Syracuse and their star Derrick Coleman, and destroyed Rick Pitino's upstart Providence team in the finals of the Big East Tournament. The Hoyas would go on to the Elite 8 before being knocked off on the road to the Final Four. However, it was a wonderful lesson to the college basketball world what a great team defense, and leadership could do. Thanks again to Reggie & the Miracles!

Countdown to Midnight Madness: Week 6 A Road Trip to the Great Northwest

2009-09-03T16:35:00.000-07:00

December 3, 2005 Georgetown drops Oregon 71-57 behind the 3-point shooting of their guards.

Prior to the 2005-06 season coach JTIII made a request at our Hoya Hoop Club Board meeting that some of us make the trip to Oregon. It was all I needed to hear, as my friends Chris Lucey and Payne Miller talked me into making the trip. All three of us had heard the stories of the "Mac Court" or "Pit" in Eugene, Oregon. It is famous as one of the most difficult opposing courts to play in, as well as being the second oldest on-campus arena next to Fordham's Rose Hill Gym. It was a long week as I fell asleep in the plane for an hour only to realize that we were still at Reagan National. We made the trip to the Portland Marriott, and took an early morning drive to the pre-game party in Eugene. The party was a great success as new AD Bernard Muir addressed the crowd and told us about his visit to the nearby Nike campus. We then took the short drive to "Mac Court." The game showcased the Hoyas massive front line of Roy Hibbert, Jeff Green, and Brandon Bowman. However, it was the Hoyas' blistering three-point shooting attack that downed the Ducks. Ashanti Cook had one of his best shooting performances as a Hoya supported by DJ Owens. It was such a spectacular performance that the announcers praised our team for their sportsmanship at game's end. I remember sitting in the bar for the post-game with several California Hoyas notably Alan Green and Drew McGowan. Apparently our impromptu post-game party was the impetus for the revival of the San Francisco Georgetown Alumni Club. I remember telling them how I hoped that the Hoyas would one day play in the Wooden Classic. Now in 2009 that is about to come true.

We are Georgetown!

Countdown to Midnight Madness: Week 7 M&M Boys Overpower Duke in Big East-ACC Shootout

2009-08-28T16:33:00.000-07:00

Countdown to Midnight Madness-Week 7. December 5th 1990, Georgetown defeats #5 Duke at the Capital Centre, 79-74, in the Big East-ACC Shootout. The Hoyas sought to avenge their defeat by Duke in the Meadowlands 2 years earlier where the #2 ranked Hoyas lost in a major upset. Most people remember Georgetown's victory over #1 Duke at Verizon Center in 2006, but in 1990 the Hoyas used a powerful inside game to overpower the Bluedevils led by Christian Laettner and Bobby Hurley. The 1990-91 Hoyas went into the game trying to establish their identity and would end up ranked #20 at season's end. They were led by what Dick Vitale had named the M&M Boys (Mourning & Mutombo). The Hoyas also featured Joey Brown, Charles Harrison, and Robert Churchwell. They were a talented group, but not the dominant team that in 1988-89 was a prohibitive favorite to go the Final Four. In this Big-East ACC shootout, Duke struggled with their outside shooting early only to make a run at the end to make the score closer. It seemed as if the first ten shots the Hoyas took were overpowering dunks by Alonzo Mourning and team captain Dikembe Mutombo. It was indeed a message to college basketball fans that Georgetown was still a force, as this Duke team would play in 4 straight Final Fours. Indeed this would be the next to last year for the Big East-ACC Shootout. It was certainly a victory to be remembered and not forgotten.