Predicting the Georgetown Starting Lineup

Georgetown Starting Spots Up for Grabs

Last season the Georgetown Hoyas surprised many by reaching the third round of the NCAA Tournament with a team few expected to finish in the top half of the Big East Conference. Surprise would elevate to stunning if the 2012-13 Hoyas go deep into the tournament this year.

The Hoyas lost their top three scorers and return just two starters; guard Markel Starks and forward Nate Lubick, both juniors. Sophomore forward Otto Porter, who averaged 9.7 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, is also expected to start.

Coach John Thompson III chose those three to travel to New York for the Big East Media Day, solidifying their status as starters. However, the remaining two slots could be up for grabs.

Sophomore forward Greg Whittington most likely will get the nod opposite Porter. Whittington averaged just 4.3 points and 2.9 rebounds per game. But he saw action in every game; valuable experience on a team with no seniors. Guard Jabril Trawick and forward Mikael Hopkins, both sophomores, also contributed. But both can expect competition from a stellar freshman class.

As usual Georgetown has a talented crop of incoming freshman, including guards D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera and Stephen Domingo, and center Bradley Hayes.

Whomever Coach Thompson selects will be tested early. Usually the Hoyas ease into the meat of their schedule, opening up with a few cupcakes. But this year Thompson’s inexperienced team will find out early just how they match up with top talent.

They open with Southeastern Conference powerhouse Florida, Nov. 9 in the Navy-Marine Corps Classic in Jacksonville. They close out November against UCLA, Tennessee, and Indiana or Georgia (Legends Classic) before a Dec. 4 match up with Texas.

Starks Looks to Lead Young Hoyas

Georgetown will lean heavily on the leadership of junior point guard Markel Starks, whose ability to score from in and outside the paint could take pressure off an inexperienced frontcourt.

Porter Could Have a Break Out Year

Forward Otto Porter must have a monster year if the Hoyas are going to shock the Big East. Last year Porter was the Hoyas' fourth-leading scorer and led the team in rebounds. A beast on the boards, Porter reportedly reported to practice more buffed and tough.

Lubick Must Step Up His Game

A skilled ball handler, forward Nate Lubick dished out 66 assists last year. But Lubick will have to impose his wide body in the low post more to improve on the 3.5 points per game he averaged last year.

Whittington Moves into Leading Role

Sophomore forward Greg Whittington most likely will get the nod opposite Porter. An outside threat, Whittington averaged just 4.3 points and 2.9 rebounds last year. But his experience is valuable experience on a team with no seniors.

Hopkins Saw Limited Action Last Year

Mikael Hopkins will have to compete for minutes with a talented recruiting class including guards D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera and Stephen Domingo, and center Bradley Hayes.