Post by blueeagle on Feb 22, 2009 20:15:37 GMT -5
In light on this evening's Oscar festivities, I would like to present to you "The Curious Case of the Georgetown Hoyas '08-'09."
At it's birth, this team caused quite a stir. Unlike the seasoned and senior-laden team of the previous year, this team was comprised of mostly freshmen and inexperienced sophomores unlearned in the ways of big time college basketball. But very early on, this team displayed physical prowess way beyond its years, out-executing and out-maneuvering "older" and "more mature" opponents such as Maryland, Memphis, Uconn, and Syracuse. But unlike the precocious physical prowess the Hoyas displayed during its infancy, the team's mental development lagged in comparison. Relying on its athleticism and youthful stamina in outscoring opponents, the Hoyas were complacent and inattentive in developing other skills necessary to become a complete team. The Hoyas early success masked the team's immaturity. A 10-1 record was a blessing and a curse.
As the season progressed, the Hoyas true youth was exposed. The raw physicality it once used to dominate its "older" foes regressed. Highly touted athletes coming out of winning high school programs were being outmuscled and outplayed by serviceable players from Seton Hall, West Virginia, and Cincinnati. And as the team displayed its immaturity on the court with each passing defeat, the burden of losing began mounting into their collective consciousness. Despite appearing younger as new line-ups and substitution patterns were being employed, the Hoyas appeared unable to rid itself of the weight and memory of losing. Fans and pundits alike exclaimed that the team's youth was to blame for its poor showing. But how can a team not grow old and wise after a 14-11 record?
Will this tale end in tragedy or redemption?
At it's birth, this team caused quite a stir. Unlike the seasoned and senior-laden team of the previous year, this team was comprised of mostly freshmen and inexperienced sophomores unlearned in the ways of big time college basketball. But very early on, this team displayed physical prowess way beyond its years, out-executing and out-maneuvering "older" and "more mature" opponents such as Maryland, Memphis, Uconn, and Syracuse. But unlike the precocious physical prowess the Hoyas displayed during its infancy, the team's mental development lagged in comparison. Relying on its athleticism and youthful stamina in outscoring opponents, the Hoyas were complacent and inattentive in developing other skills necessary to become a complete team. The Hoyas early success masked the team's immaturity. A 10-1 record was a blessing and a curse.
As the season progressed, the Hoyas true youth was exposed. The raw physicality it once used to dominate its "older" foes regressed. Highly touted athletes coming out of winning high school programs were being outmuscled and outplayed by serviceable players from Seton Hall, West Virginia, and Cincinnati. And as the team displayed its immaturity on the court with each passing defeat, the burden of losing began mounting into their collective consciousness. Despite appearing younger as new line-ups and substitution patterns were being employed, the Hoyas appeared unable to rid itself of the weight and memory of losing. Fans and pundits alike exclaimed that the team's youth was to blame for its poor showing. But how can a team not grow old and wise after a 14-11 record?
Will this tale end in tragedy or redemption?
