Jan. 2, 2011

It seems as if I have been on the road all year. As I sit at home preparing for another GU basketball road trip it is only fitting that I am headed to New York, my second home. As Father Byrne, my Latin teacher at Georgetown Prep, taught me--one refers to the Borough of Manhattan as The City. Georgetown has had a very successful early season run in spite of their very difficult schedule. As we head into the winter, and the Big East Schedule it is fitting that Georgetown faces a newly rejuvenated St. John's program. As I see the signs on NYC cabs that refer to Syracuse as NYC's College Basketball team I often wonder what coaches like Clair Bee, Pete Newell, Frank McGuire, and Lou Carnesseca would think about these geographically-challenged signs. Indeed St. John's alumni Chris Mullin, Walter Berry, and Mark Jackson would certainly take exception to this. Indeed twenty-five years ago the Georgetown-St. John's battles in Madison Square Garden were the most intense basketball games I have ever attended. In fact, the Sweater Game, is in my opinion greatest use of psychology in a college basketball game I have ever seen, and one of the great coaching masterpiece's of John Thompson, Jr.

I am truly fascinated by the wonderful writing by my friend John Hawkes, aka the Hoya Hoop Club Blogmaster. When I read his most recent post--The Owls Are Not What They Seem, I truly marvel at the complexity of his stories. His reference to the David Lynch show Twin Peaks is truly inspired. As I review Anthony Bourdain's favorite restaurants in Manhattan, I cannot help feeling nostalgic. Although, I love technology, and pride myself on embracing mobile technology, I do consider myself very old school when it comes to the simple things in life like great restaurants, theatre, hotels, TV shows, and college basketball. I never really understood shows like Twin Peaks. New York is my second home, and I love watching Sex and the City, and new shows like Gossip Girl. However, I don't know who lives those kinds of lives? Twenty-five years ago when I came to Madison Square Garden my favorite shows were the A-Team, and Mash. When I saw the A-Team Movie, it made me think about the old Big East. Indeed what made the A-Team unbeatable was that they were totally dedicated to the Team. Just the way it has always been at Georgetown--It's All About the Team. I love the way that our players break their huddles with the chant: Georgetown!

If you are in "The City" tomorrow night come to the Garden to cheer on the Hoyas right in Macy's Window. I am looking forward to an old-fashioned Big East Battle! We will have a post-game party at Stout NYC on 33rd Street between 6th and 7th Avenues. I look forward to seeing many Hoya Hoop Club members and Georgetown Fans in the Garden and at the post-game party. I have just finished writing my end of the year list, and need to pack for tomorrow.

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We are Georgetown! Hoya Saxa!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President--Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing