Georgetown's Markel Starks is Key For Hoyas

Everybody knows that the Georgetown Hoyas will only go as far as their superstar Otto Porter Jr. will take them.

For a team that can struggle on the offensive end of the floor, it is Porter Jr. that can create his own shot and score from a variety of spots on the floor in a variety of ways.

Nevertheless, it is junior point guard Markel Starks that may just be the key to the Hoyas success come March.

Starks is currently averaging 12.6 points, 2.6 assists and 1.9 rebounds per game all while shooting 46% from the field, including 41.9% from 3-point range.

In the Hoyas last five games, Starks has averaged 16.2 points per game, including recording 20 points against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.

Even more important than Starks numbers could be the emotional lift he provides his teammates. Porter Jr. is a “silent assassin” according to teammate Nate Lubick, so that is where Starks steps in.

Starks is emotional and is not afraid to show it or talk about it. When asked about his dancing upon making a big shot in the Marquette home win last week Starks commented, ““I mean, you felt the energy out there. I mean, it’s one of those spirit-of-the-moment type of things. Sometimes it’s like dancing — you get into it.”

That is exactly what the Hoyas need. Porter Jr. to go out and do his thing and Starks to deflect some attention so Porter Jr. can be even more focused on what he is doing.

Both seem to like that role and as long as the Hoyas keep winning, Starks and dance all the way to the Final Four in Atlanta.

Follow Bert DeSalvo on Twitter @CoachDeSalvo