I remember sitting in the Verizon Center back in 2007, watching Georgetown dismantle a ranked Villanova team with that signature Princeton-style offense. The arena was electric, packed with over 20,000 fans wearing their blue and gray. That team, led by Jeff Green and Roy Hibbert, reached the Final Four and seemed to signal a return to the glory days of the John Thompson era. Fast forward to today, and the program feels like a shadow of its former self. As someone who's followed Big East basketball for over two decades, I've been wondering whether Georgetown can truly recapture that magic under their new leadership. The recent coaching change brings both excitement and skepticism - I'm cautiously optimistic but not yet convinced.
When Georgetown hired Ed Cooley away from Providence last spring, the move sent shockwaves through the college basketball world. The university reportedly offered him around $6 million annually, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in the Big East. That's serious money, and it shows how badly Georgetown wants to return to national relevance. Having watched Cooley transform Providence from a middle-of-the-pack team to regular NCAA Tournament participants, I believe he brings exactly what Georgetown needs - proven program-building skills and relentless East Coast recruiting connections. His teams always play with an edge, something that's been missing from Georgetown squads in recent years. I've always appreciated how his Providence teams never backed down from anyone, and that mentality could work wonders at Georgetown.
The challenges ahead are substantial, though. Georgetown finished last season with a dismal 7-25 record, their worst in modern program history. That's not just bad - it's historically awful for a program with Georgetown's pedigree. The team's defense was particularly concerning, ranking near the bottom of Division I in multiple defensive categories. Having analyzed countless games last season, I noticed fundamental breakdowns that went beyond talent issues - poor communication, lazy closeouts, and what appeared to be a lack of buy-in to the system. These are exactly the kinds of problems Cooley specializes in fixing. His Providence teams were always disciplined defensively, often ranking in the top half of the conference despite rarely having elite athletes.
Recruiting will be the true test of this new era. Georgetown's location in Washington D.C. puts them in one of the nation's richest basketball talent pools, yet they've consistently lost top local prospects to other programs in recent years. Just look at last year's recruiting cycle - they missed on three five-star prospects from the DMV area. That simply can't continue if they want to compete at the highest level. Cooley's success in keeping New England talent at Providence suggests he understands how to build those crucial local relationships. I'm particularly excited about his ability to connect with today's players - he's got that rare combination of old-school discipline and modern relatability that resonates with young athletes.
The transfer portal presents both opportunity and challenge. In today's college basketball landscape, successful programs need to master both high school recruiting and the transfer market. Georgetown has already landed several impact transfers, including former four-star prospects from Power Five conferences. This immediate infusion of talent should help them be more competitive right away, though building sustainable success requires developing players over multiple seasons. From what I've observed, Cooley seems to understand this balance better than his predecessor. His teams at Providence always had the right mix of veteran transfers and homegrown talent.
Financial commitment from the administration will be crucial. Georgetown's basketball program generates approximately $15 million in annual revenue, but they've been hesitant to fully invest in the modern amenities that top programs now consider essential. The practice facility, while serviceable, doesn't compare to what schools like Villanova and UConn offer. If Georgetown is serious about this rebuild, they'll need to upgrade these facilities and increase the basketball budget significantly. Based on the coaching hire alone, it appears they're finally ready to make that commitment.
The Big East conference itself presents both obstacles and advantages. The league has strengthened considerably in recent years, with multiple teams making deep NCAA Tournament runs. Competing against programs like UConn, Marquette, and Creighton requires consistent excellence. Yet the conference's basketball-first identity and Fox Sports television deal provide Georgetown with the platform and exposure they need to rebuild their brand. Having watched the Big East evolve since its restructuring, I believe this is actually an ideal environment for Georgetown's resurgence - the conference needs them to be good for the league's overall health.
Looking at the schedule ahead, I expect some growing pains this season. Realistically, Georgetown might finish around .500 in Cooley's first year, which would represent significant progress. The key will be showing improvement throughout the season and being competitive in games they're supposed to lose. I'll be watching closely how they perform against rivals like Syracuse and Villanova - those games always measure Georgetown's pulse better than any statistic. The student section needs to return to its former rowdiness too - that home-court advantage at Capital One Arena can be devastating when the students are engaged.
Ultimately, Georgetown's return to prominence depends on sustained commitment from everyone involved - the administration, coaches, players, and fans. The hiring of Ed Cooley represents the most significant step toward relevance that Georgetown has taken in years. His track record suggests he's the right person for this massive rebuilding project, though the process will require patience. As someone who cherishes Georgetown's unique place in college basketball history, I'm hopeful but realistic. The road back won't be easy or quick, but for the first time in a long while, there's genuine reason for optimism. The pieces are there for a return to relevance - now comes the hard work of putting them together.
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