New Georgetown basketball coach Ed Cooley has plans to change the culture and the win-loss record

WASHINGTON (AP) — On a recent weekday afternoon, at exactly 2:29 p.m., the Georgetown men’s basketball practice commenced at the John R. Thompson Jr. Intercollegiate Athletic Center. The new coach, Ed Cooley, blew his whistle and rallied his players who wore navy T-shirts with “Hoya Family” on the back.

Cooley, recently hired from Big East rival Providence, addressed his mostly new team filled with transfers. He emphasized the importance of emotional and physical strength, declaring that they would work on their drills until they were executed flawlessly.

During the intense 2 1/2-hour practice, Cooley observed his players with crossed arms, holding a crumpled white paper. He offered both stern guidance and humorous remarks. He delivered critiques, showcasing his larger-than-life presence. He imparted wisdom, emphasizing the significance of communication and competition. Cooley’s coaching style is described by his associate head coach as a mix between a powerful force and a comforting figure.

What was truly remarkable, however, was Cooley’s openness to allowing a reporter to witness the entire practice. This level of access harkened back to the glory days of Georgetown basketball when John Thompson was the coach, and Patrick Ewing was the star center for the 1984 NCAA champions.

This is just one example of how Cooley plans to honor Thompson’s legacy while implementing necessary changes. In an interview with The Associated Press, Cooley expressed his gratitude for the investment made by Georgetown’s board and his commitment to resurrecting Georgetown basketball.

Cooley, who took Providence to seven NCAA Tournaments in 12 seasons, firmly believes that Georgetown will rise again after a period of change. He vows to provide increased media access and recruit talented players from the local area.

“I will uphold the standards and respect the legacy of Georgetown,” Cooley affirmed. “I will cultivate a different culture.”

According to the Big East coaches’ preseason poll, Georgetown is projected to finish eighth out of 11 teams. Cooley acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead.

One obstacle is the temporary absence of Ismael Massoud, a graduate transfer from Kansas State, due to hand surgery. Despite this setback, Cooley remains optimistic and motivates his players to maximize their potential.

Looking ahead, Georgetown’s 2024 recruiting class is highly regarded by scouting services, positioning the program for future success.

Cooley recognizes that victories may not be reflected solely on the scoreboard in the first year. He aims for transformational change in the Georgetown community, fostering support and enthusiasm among students, alumni, faculty, staff, and fans.

There are already signs of progress, with single-game ticket sales volume increasing by 80% year-over-year and overall ticket revenue projected to grow by 67%.

Cooley’s assistant coach echoes his optimism, envisioning a national championship banner hanging alongside the 1984 one in the practice gym.

Massoud reveals that Cooley draws inspiration from Thompson and shares his vision of restoring Georgetown’s former glory.

The players understand the importance of winning and aim to regain the support of the city and their fans.

Cooley eagerly anticipates achieving these goals but asks for patience as the process unfolds.

“We’ve got our work cut out this year, brother. It’s going to be tough. But I think we will improve.”

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AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball