Georgetown Hoyas: Adding Seats on the Bandwagon

It's becoming easier and easier to jump on what was once was a rather empty Georgetown bandwagon.

A 6-1 record and two consecutive victories over Top 15 teams will do that. So, too, will the brilliant play of the team's big three: Jason Clark, Henry Sims and Hollis Thompson. Add to it the infectious energy and passion the young Hoyas are playing with and its hard not to become infatuated with this team. 

But be careful, Georgetown fans—you've been down this road before.

Big early season wins are nothing new. Last year's team beat eighth-ranked Missouri and 17th-ranked Memphis prior to the Big East season before collapsing in March, losing six of their last seven and exiting the NCAA tournament in the first round. 

Similarly, in 2009, the Hoyas knocked off 16th-ranked Washington and 20th-ranked—and eventual NCAA finalist—Butler, only to bow out in the first round of the NCAAs. 

In fact, the only year Georgetown didn't particularly have a strong start was 2006. Coincidentally, that was the year the Hoyas reached their first and only Final Four under John Thompson III. 

So excuse the splash of pessimism, but there is a precedent of faltering down the stretch to be wary of. 

That being said, there is a lot to be excited about with this team and there are signs that this year could be both different and special. 

For one, if it isn't already, this will be the deepest team coach John Thompson has had in his tenure at Georgetown. 

The dexterous play of the starters aside, Coach Thompson has a plethora of talented youngsters to turn to on the bench. And while they may need to grow up some, freshmen Otto Porter (who will be starting soon), Greg Whittington, Jabril Trawick and Mikael Hopkins can all flat out play and will see big minutes as the season continues. 

Already, these freshman, along with sophomores Markel Starks and Nate Lubick, have grown up fast, beating Memphis on a neutral court and ending Alabama's 24-game home winning streak in Tuscaloosa. 

Why are they playing at a level beyond their years?

Largely because of their veteran leadership. Henry Sims has recommitted himself to basketball and is having a breakout season. Jason Clark and Hollis Thompson, too, are playing their best basketball of their tenures on the hilltop. Most importantly, however, they are leading and mentoring the younger guys. 

One of the most promising and exciting aspects of watching Georgetown is how together and unified they are. The effects of the now-infamous trip to China are obvious. The players believe in each other, help each other and are each other's biggest cheerleaders.

At times during the game, watching the bench is almost as enjoyable as watching the action on the court. After every big basket, the bench, particularly freshman Ty Adams, explodes.

The cohesion, energy and subsequent intensity that carries over in practice is something that Georgetown has been lacking the last several years.

Going forward, coach John Thompson will have a tough balancing act. He will need to continue managing playing time so as not to disenfranchise any of his young players, and, increasingly, he will be forced to manage expectations.

It's a long season and there are sure to be bumps in the road. At this point in the season, however, Georgetown has far-and-away exceeded expectations.

Get your seats now while you still can, as the Hoyas bandwagon is quickly filling up.