I remember sitting in my grandfather’s living room as a kid, watching Georgetown basketball dominate the Big East like it was their birthright. The floor was Patrick Ewing’s kingdom, the sidelines were John Thompson’s pulpit, and the Hoyas played with a swagger that felt both intimidating and inevitable. Fast forward to today, and it’s a different story. The program that once defined toughness and excellence has struggled to find its footing in an era defined by one-and-dones, the transfer portal, and a rapidly shifting recruiting landscape. So how does Georgetown basketball return to its former glory in the modern era? It’s a question I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about, especially as someone who’s followed college hoops for decades and even worked behind the scenes in sports media. The answer isn’t simple, but it starts with embracing change without losing what made Georgetown, Georgetown.
Let’s look at a recent example that offers a glimmer of hope: the hiring of Ed Cooley in 2023. When Georgetown brought him in from Providence, it felt like a statement. Cooley had built a consistent winner at a program with fewer resources, and his ability to develop players and foster team chemistry stood out. But the transition hasn’t been seamless. In his first season, the Hoyas finished with a disappointing 9–23 record, and you could see the frustration bubbling up among fans. I remember talking to a former Georgetown staffer who told me, "He doesn’t mind taking on rebuilds, but the pressure here is unlike anything he’s faced." That stuck with me because it highlights a key challenge: Georgetown isn’t just any job. The shadow of Thompson’s legacy looms large, and every misstep is magnified. Still, Cooley’s track record suggests he’s the right person for the long haul. At Providence, he turned a middling team into a perennial NCAA Tournament contender, making the Big Dance six times in his last eight seasons. That kind of sustained success is exactly what Georgetown needs, but it requires patience—something modern fans aren’t always known for.
Digging deeper into the problems, it’s clear that recruiting has been a major issue. In the 1980s and ’90s, Georgetown could rely on its brand to attract top-tier talent. Today, they’re competing against blue bloods like Duke and Kentucky, as well as NIL collectives that can offer life-changing money. For instance, in the 2022 recruiting cycle, Georgetown’s class ranked outside the top 30 nationally, while rivals like UConn landed multiple five-star prospects. But it’s not just about star ratings; it’s about fit. Too often, I’ve seen the Hoyas chase flashy recruits who don’t align with the program’s identity. Georgetown basketball was built on defense, discipline, and player development—think of Alonzo Mourning or Allen Iverson, who thrived in that system. Nowadays, the focus seems scattered. The transfer portal offers a shortcut, but it’s a double-edged sword. In 2023, Georgetown brought in seven transfers, yet only two made a significant impact. That kind of roster churn makes it hard to build chemistry, and it shows on the court. I watched them play last season and saw a team that lacked cohesion; they’d have stretches of brilliance followed by baffling defensive lapses. It’s a far cry from the days when Georgetown held opponents under 60 points as a matter of principle.
So, what’s the path forward? First, Georgetown needs to double down on player development. Look at programs like Villanova or Baylor—they don’t always land the top recruits, but they turn three-star prospects into NBA players. Jay Wright’s system at Villanova produced stars like Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges, who stayed multiple years and grew into leaders. Georgetown should take a page from that playbook. Cooley has a reputation for developing guards, and if he can identify under-the-radar talent and mold them, the Hoyas could build a sustainable foundation. Second, they must leverage their brand in the NIL era. Georgetown’s alumni network includes billionaires, politicians, and entertainers—imagine tapping into that for NIL deals. I’ve heard whispers that they’re already working on a collective, but they need to be more aggressive. For example, if they could guarantee $500,000 in NIL opportunities for a top-50 recruit, that would level the playing field. Third, and this might be controversial, but I think they should schedule tougher non-conference games. In 2023, their strength of schedule ranked 145th nationally. Playing elite teams early exposes weaknesses and prepares players for March. Sure, they might take some losses, but it’s better than padding the record with easy wins that don’t mean anything come tournament time.
The broader lesson here is that tradition alone isn’t enough. Programs like UCLA and Indiana have also struggled to recapture past glory, but those that succeed—like North Carolina under Roy Williams—blend old-school values with modern strategies. For Georgetown, that means honoring the Thompson legacy while adapting to today’s game. I believe Cooley gets that. He doesn’t mind the pressure, and he’s shown he can build culture. But it’ll take time—maybe three to five years—before we see the Hoyas back in the Sweet 16. As a fan, that’s frustrating, but I’d rather wait for a contender than settle for mediocrity. The Big East is tougher than ever, with UConn winning a national title in 2023 and Marquette consistently in the top 10. Georgetown can get there, but it requires a clear vision, relentless recruiting, and a little bit of that old Hoya paranoia. When I close my eyes, I can still see the glory days—the packed arenas, the fierce defense, the unmistakable swagger. And I’m convinced that with the right approach, we’ll see them again.
