miamihoya
Silver Hoya (over 500 posts)
Posts: 698
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Post by miamihoya on Mar 25, 2006 14:25:14 GMT -5
As a freshmen, this is the first time I have to deal with that thing known as the "offseason", and it just hasn't sunk in yet that for the first time nearly four months I have no Hoya basketball game to look forward to. It just became such an integral part of my weekly routine and college experience.
As the buzzer sounded yesterday I couldn't help but feel Editeded. Not Editeded at the team for putting up a brave effort against a solid gator team. Not Editeded at Florida (how could I be?) or Noah for coming out and giving us all we could handle. Not Editeded at the refs or the coaches. I was Editeded at myself for allowing myself to build up expectations of what the team could do, when I knew that i was only setting myself up for eventual dissapointment.
But as the morning later has arrived and I look back on it, that is exactly what is great about this Hoya Team. JTIII and the players allowed us to dream big! For the first time in years they allowed hoya fans to build high expectations of what the team was capable of doing and how high it could fly. So in retrospect, THANK YOU Hoyas for allowing me to set my self up for dissapointment, because the alternative would of been a season full of dissapointment.
Thank you to BoBo, Ashanti, and D.O. for your contributions and dedication to the team. You stuck through for rough times, and deserve all the credit in the world for bringing back the good ones. Thank you also to Beal and Amadou for you quiet loyalty to the team. I wish all of you the best of luck in your future endeavors and hope to see your faces at future Georgetown games.
Thank You Roy, Jeff, and J.Wallace for stepping up to a level that no one could of expected. I can barely wait for next november to roll by to see how much more your game has improved. Thank you to the rest of the team for your contributions on and off the court. We couldn't have done it without you.
Most importantly thank you John Thompson III, for bringing back respect and fear to the hilltop. You had big shoes to fill (no not Escheriks), and have lived up to the expectations and then some. You know you have every Hoyas support both on the court and off it, as you deal with your wife's ailment. I wish her the best and pray for a speedy recovery.
So thank you Hoyas for giving this freshmen so many unforgettable memories. Thank you for the Navy roadtrip, my first (and one of the greatest) georgetown basketball experiences. Thank you for allowing us to rush the court after defeating the mighty Dookies, a day that shall not be forgotten quickly. Thank you for crushing the Orange in the regular season, but also thank you for later allowing me to gain the hatred for them that till then I didn't comprehend. Thank you for an exciting Big East tournament and an even more exciting NCAA tournament. I cannot wait to build many more great memories in the years to come. November cannot come soon enough.
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Post by ilovescruggs on Mar 25, 2006 14:29:46 GMT -5
I will be the first to say that I jumped on Bowman and Cook in the past for some of the growing pains during the Esherick years and even last season. However, I think it's quite clear that this run could not have been made if not for their and Owens' leadership. Bowman was everywhere tracking down boards ever since the Big East Tourney, and that effort was contagious. You didn't have to look any further than one freshman point guard named Jesse Sapp to see that.
When we hang our second national championship banner in McDonough, I have a very good feeling that we will all look back at this season and say THIS is where it started again. Where this group of players rekindled a flame that all but a few had thought burned out a decade ago.
Thank you all, and thank you to the fans on this board and in the stands for making this such a memorable, and pivotal, season. I love being able to say that "we're back." I love more the fact that I can also say: "And we aren't going anywhere."
Here's to the class of '06.
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YB
Golden Hoya (over 1000 posts)
Posts: 2,494
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Post by YB on Mar 25, 2006 16:25:28 GMT -5
"And when you dream, dream big as big as the ocean blue 'cause when you dream it might come true so when you dream, dream big"
-Ryan Shupe and the Rubber Band
I think we're all dreaming big again- and that in itself is a great feeling. Almost makes up for the pain of losing!
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SirSaxa
Silver Hoya (over 500 posts)
Posts: 747
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Post by SirSaxa on Mar 25, 2006 17:16:58 GMT -5
As a freshmen.... JTII and the players allowed us to dream big! .....Thank you for an exciting Big East tournament and an even more exciting NCAA tournament. I cannot wait to build many more great memories in the years to come. November cannot come soon enough. Miamihoya, I am sure you know this already -- you are a VERY fortunate young man to be a freshman just when JT3 is bring the Hoyas back! Some of the recent alumni, including those who graduated in 2002,2003 and 2004, really missed out on what Hoya Hoops means. THey can still appreciate it from afar, but it is not the same as being a student on campus and getting fully caught up in the whole experience. I'll bet I speak for many of us with a longer perspective by saying we envy you, and make sure you appreciate every minute of it. Even our losses mean something now. The hurt means more because the potential for greatness is there. SO thank you for posting your perspective... it was insightful. Enjoy the ride!
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Post by Nitrorebel on Mar 25, 2006 17:49:02 GMT -5
Thank you from me as well. Bobo, DJ and Ashanti are the last guys I was on campus with (graduated in '03), and so this is a strange moment as an alumnus. Good luck to all of you. Thank you for being such awesome Hoyas and making us proud with your game on the court and your grades and behavior off it.
Thank you Coach for making us believe again and instilling a sense of pride that Esh and Lang stole away from us by settling for mediocrity. Saying I'm a Hoya b-ball fan MEANS something again, and it means more than '84, Pat, Zo and Deke. People now think of back-door cuts and Roy's spin moves and Jeff's versatility and 3 as Pops' son. We're not a memory, we're the present. Thank you.
All the best off the court Coach as your wife continues to fight the good fight. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
It's gonna be weird not having to stay up till 3 in the morning watching the pbp on HoyaChat because the f#$@%^ Sportstalk 980 online feed isn't working once again!!! I'll miss that in a strange masochistic sort of way.
Wake me up when it's November.
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Post by RockawayHoya on Mar 25, 2006 17:55:18 GMT -5
As a freshmen.... JTII and the players allowed us to dream big! .....Thank you for an exciting Big East tournament and an even more exciting NCAA tournament. I cannot wait to build many more great memories in the years to come. November cannot come soon enough. Miamihoya, I am sure you know this already -- you are a VERY fortunate young man to be a freshman just when JT3 is bring the Hoyas back! Some of the recent alumni, including those who graduated in 2002,2003 and 2004, really missed out on what Hoya Hoops means. THey can still appreciate it from afar, but it is not the same as being a student on campus and getting fully caught up in the whole experience. I'll bet I speak for many of us with a longer perspective by saying we envy you, and make sure you appreciate every minute of it. Even our losses mean something now. The hurt means more because the potential for greatness is there. SO thank you for posting your perspective... it was insightful. Enjoy the ride! What about '05, SirSaxa? At least the '02-'04 kids were there for the '01 Sweet 16 run. I've been extremely lucky to get to experience this NCAA tournament firsthand. A lot of my fellow classmates never got that same opportunity. This year was for them, as well. I know I can speak for all of them when I say we're very, very proud of the team this year.
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guru
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Posts: 6,605
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Post by guru on Mar 25, 2006 18:21:40 GMT -5
Thanks to Brandon, Ashanti, Darrell and the rest of the seniors. This was the most fun I've had as a Hoya fan since the glory days of the '80s. Your hard work and dedication have laid the foundation for very big things for this program in the years to come. You will not be forgotten. Good luck with the rest of your senior years (there is no better time in life than spring semester of senior year!) and good luck in whatever you choose to do next. Just because you don't wear the uniform anymore doesn't mean we stop rooting for you.
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SirSaxa
Silver Hoya (over 500 posts)
Posts: 747
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Post by SirSaxa on Mar 25, 2006 18:52:38 GMT -5
What about '05, SirSaxa? At least the '02-'04 kids were there for the '01 Sweet 16 run. Hey Rockaway! You have a good point of course. The reason I left out the '05 class was because they got to be there to see the arrival of JT3 and be part of the first stage of the resurgence. And to see the emergence of Jeff, Roy and Jon. Jon is a hard working, dedicated warrior. Jeff and Roy are going to be among the great Hoya names ever. And the '05 class had a super on-campus experience with the NIT. But that class did not get to experience NCAAs. I don't think we'll be saying that about any more classes for quite some time! And thanks again for your terrific report from Dayton!
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Post by RockawayHoya on Mar 25, 2006 19:02:24 GMT -5
What about '05, SirSaxa? At least the '02-'04 kids were there for the '01 Sweet 16 run. Hey Rockaway! You have a good point of course. The reason I left out the '05 class was because they got to be there to see the arrival of JT3 and be part of the first stage of the resurgence. And to see the emergence of Jeff, Roy and Jon. Jon is a hard working, dedicated warrior. Jeff and Roy are going to be among the great Hoya names ever. And the '05 class had a super on-campus experience with the NIT. But that class did not get to experience NCAAs. I don't think we'll be saying that about any more classes for quite some time! And thanks again for your terrific report from Dayton! Agree with all that you said. Especially your 2nd to last sentence .
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Post by wrestlemania on Mar 25, 2006 20:11:11 GMT -5
The NYT piece on Victor Page rang the bell for me -- somehow it's fitting that his story appears just as the program is finally surpassing what it was when he left.
Well done, fellas. Go Hoyas.
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FLHoya
Diamond Hoya (over 2500 posts)
Proud Member of Generation Burton
Posts: 4,544
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Post by FLHoya on Mar 25, 2006 21:00:36 GMT -5
I was a lot more nervous this time.
A lot of people were nervous this time. I think that says a great deal about how much the game meant to so many students.
It wasn't any easier this time though.
There's a story I tell sometimes...it's from my sophomore year. Our final home game of the year was against UConn--the one infamous for our decision not to foul on the Huskies final possession despite being down 1 with under 40 seconds to go. The kid who sat in front of me that night was a Senior...he was also in my theology class that had met that afternoon. I'd said maybe 2-3 sentences to this kid the whole season, but he recognized me as "kid from my theology class" at the game and we'd spent most of the rest of it high-fiving each other. As we failed to get a shot off and the horn sounded, I heard him say something along the lines of: "I can't believe this is how my Senior season is going to end!" The kid was crushed.
It didn't really register with me at the time how significant a statement that was...and how significant the emotional investment is. Even two years later, when I went to my final home game at the MCI Center, a blowout loss to Pitt, all the emotion of that season was long gone, and I hardly even cared that I'd just seen my last home game as a student.
It didn't really register until last night. Last night I saw all of the nervous faces in Sellinger an hour before the game. Last night I saw everyone come together in what for my money was the best on-campus pep rally I've ever seen.
Last night, as the horn sounded an end to Georgetown's 2005-2006 season, I turned around and saw another kid who, as a Senior, had just seen his last game as a student. And for the life of me, as much as I wanted to say something to TBird41, I didn't know what to say--I couldn't even look at the kid.
I'd gone through this before--a Sweet 16 loss in my freshman year of 2001. That year was a lot like this season in a way, I thought last night after the game, in that both saw a resurgent Hoya Blue and a season of renewal after several consecutive NIT berths. But where this season, I thought, surpassed it had to do with the emotional investment that it created in the entire campus--in hundreds if not thousands of students like Tom.
The players have a great deal to do with that. We were blessed this season to have the leadership of five great Senior players who are all crowd favorites. You can't possibly feel like we left anything out on the court last night when, on our final three significant possessions of the game (excluding the final heave), each of our three Senior contributors took the exact type of shot they've become known for: a deep step back jumper by Ashanti, Brandon's finger roll after knifing through two defenders down the lane, and Owens' three pointer, set from the top of the key. I've enjoyed watching them all develop as players over the past four years--and I've especially enjoyed Brandon giving my recaps their most bankable phrase (I overheard someone say "Good BoBo" last night in Sellinger for probably the last time). Thanks to all of them and the best of luck.
But I want to thank another more broad group of people--namely, every student I've met in the student section this year. You all can take pride in knowing that you've been a part of something truly significant for our basketball program this season. As upsetting as last night's result was...March 24, 2006 was a great day for Georgetown Hoyas basketball and its fans.
Can you think of any better way to experience your team's final game of the year than surrounded by hundreds of your fellow students on campus, everyone coming together to support the team? Just a year ago, we were all listening on Internet radio as the team's season ended in some far off outpost of the SEC. We really need to get over that SEC hump I guess.
One of the habits I've developed this season is that after big games, I like to go hang out with some of the people I've become good friends with as a result of Georgetown basketball. Just to hang around and talk about how great this season has been. Some great dinner conversations after the Duke and Syracuse games, lemme tell ya.
Well, after the game yesterday, I spent a good portion of the early morning hours in StPete's apartment. And we talked for a long time about this season, Hoya Blue, what next year's gonna be like.
Actually though, it was something he said to me on the way out of the Leavey Center that I remember.
"The best is yet to come."
My God, that was almost the same thing I said after we lost to Maryland in 2001.
He's got a much greater chance of being right than I did back then--for that, we can thank John Thompson III and our coaching staff.
But it does bring up an important point.
It's the same one I wrote about in my Burton Day column.
You never know what the next season, even the next game is going to bring. So...even on a night like last night, painful as it was...it always pays to be thankful for being able to have had such a great season just once...
to be thankful for the experience.
I know five years later, I still am.
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Post by tboy on Mar 25, 2006 23:21:30 GMT -5
thanks to the seniors and the rest of the team, coaches, trainers and managers. i will be at the banquet to personally thank them.
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Post by ][-][ 0 `/ /-\ 5 on Mar 25, 2006 23:38:35 GMT -5
Can't finds the words to say it all with so quite simply, thanks
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WVHoyasfan
Bulldog (over 250 posts)
GREATEST HOYA EVER!!!!!
Posts: 275
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Post by WVHoyasfan on Mar 25, 2006 23:52:59 GMT -5
Thank you Gtown Hoyas,you have single handedly brought back Gtown basketball.Yes I was dissapointed when the game ended but then I thought we just maded it to the sweet 16 for the first time since 96 I think.
THANK YOU HOYAS FOR EVERYTHING!!!!!
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Post by hoyacrazy on Mar 26, 2006 0:11:35 GMT -5
This years team really was a bright spot. You could see them grow with every game. I have always been proud to be a hoya, even through the tough times. THANKS GUYS FOR MAKING IT FUN AGAIN! GREAT SEASON
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Post by theEDGEfactor on Mar 26, 2006 0:22:12 GMT -5
forgot to mention i think sapp earned his way into the starting 2 for next year with the last 3 games of the year..thanks for showing up jessie
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Post by jerseyhoya34 on Mar 26, 2006 0:29:21 GMT -5
Key for Jessie and the other SG possibilities is to work as much as possible on shooting during the off-season. We also need all of our guys to make a concerted effort in terms of conditioning. We improved mightily in those respects this year, but we still have a ways to go. Jessie played decent minutes this year, but they weren't the kinds of minutes he'll see next year. So, we'll need him prepared for the wear and tear of the long haul. The strength is there, so he's ahead of the game.
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Highsmith
Golden Hoya (over 1000 posts)
Posts: 1,490
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Post by Highsmith on Mar 26, 2006 7:20:55 GMT -5
Lots of great sentiments here and I want to echo all of them. This was a great season and it was SO much fun watching this team grow and develop this year. I almost forgot what it was like to have Georgetown be mentioned along with the other big names in college basketball. I think this is just the beginning.
To the players, especially the seniors, you guys were great. Most of us gave at least some of you some heat this year at different times and for different reasons, but deep down, we knew you were giving everything you had. Looking back, it sure was a lot. You guys really put this team back on the map and now it will be taken to higher levels as time goes on. This team can be proud of the fact that they were the foundation.....a very strong foundation.....of what is to come.
To the coaching staff, especially JTIII, a HUGE thank you for the effort you have put into this season. We all hoped a dreamed that you would be the key to bringing back Georgetown basketball, but to actually see those hopes and dreams coming to fruition is really special. All our thoughts are with Coach and his family and we truly hope that things work out and everyone can be stronger than ever soon.
To the fans, especially the ones on this board, I want to give a BIG THANKS. As I post quite often, I live very close to SU country and it is very lonely being a Georgetown fan around here. It is so nice to have a place to go where I can interact with other fans who are as excited and passionate about this team as I am......if anything you have made those feelings get even stronger over the past year or 2 (just ask my wife!!). I hope we can continue this community of GU faithful for the many successful years we have ahead of us.
Finally, to next year's team, I think it is appropriate to quote one of your new team members......"It's time to ball."
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CAHoya07
Diamond Hoya (over 2500 posts)
Posts: 3,598
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Post by CAHoya07 on Mar 26, 2006 12:48:09 GMT -5
To the two guys in the crazy blue wigs: Wow! Who'd have thunk that one East coast "nut" plus another "nut" from California could revolutionize, re-energize, re-vitalize HB into that "Sea of Gray" vision of OVERWHELMING student booster support we all saw swarming the court at the Phone Booth after the Duke win? Un-frickin'-believable! Thank you, I appreciate it, we are both "nuts." But honestly, most if not all of the credit for the revitalization of the Georgetown student fanbase the past two years has to go to 007. He designed and spearheaded the We Are Georgetown shirts, which are now worn by basically everyone in the student section and are a fixture on-campus and at any Georgetown basketball game. I honestly think that the shirts are one of if not the best thing to have happened to Georgetown since I've been here. The sea of gray at home games, and even at the game watch in Sellinger on Friday night, was great to see. Thanks to everyone I've been involved with on the Hoya Blue board, it was one crazy ride, but now we gotta get geared up for lacrosse. Obviously JT III and the team have a lot more influence on the rebirth of student fan support than we do, but I'm pretty sure we've helped the cause. A great season, really tough loss on Friday, but the future is bright, and I have a feeling that "the best is yet to come." Hoya Saxa.
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paranoia2
Silver Hoya (over 500 posts)
Posts: 847
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Post by paranoia2 on Mar 26, 2006 15:24:48 GMT -5
Special thanks to Ashanti for his "not here to participate" quote. That was great. Where I come from Brewer's ridiculous shot should have been A) a foul B) tie up C) traveling and in no bleeping way a 3 point opportunity. Thanks again Hoyas!!!
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