Georgetown center Jessie Govan — Image credit: AP Photo/Michael Conroy
The return of Jessie Govan for his senior season is why opponents won’t sleep on Georgetown in the Big East. Govan’s improvement last season helped the Hoyas lay down a new foundation under Patrick Ewing.
Govan improved his scoring from 10.1 to 17.9 points per game. The 6-10 center, from Queens Village, also improved his rebounding from 5.0 to 10.0 per game. The numbers indicate Govan’s willingness to learn under Ewing’s tutelage.
Ewing is one of the greatest big men to ever play the game. His ability to shoot the mid-range jumper helped set him apart from other centers in his playing days. Ewing was instrumental in the development of a handful of the NBA’s best big men. Govan has a Hall of Fame basketball player teaching him the fundamentals of his position.
Ewing’s impact on Govan’s was evident last season. He’s developed a consistent turnaround shot after establishing position around the basket. He’s a big man with a mid-range game. Govan has the ability to stretch the defense with his ability to shoot from deep. These are all key to his skill set for the next level.
Govan’s success as a junior created an opportunity to explore options for the NBA Draft. He worked out for a handful of teams before ultimately deciding on returning to school.
Perspective on Govan
Having Govan’s senior presence will be beneficial to Ewing as he enters his second year. The Hoyas have a handful of new faces this season, Ewing will need to integrate them into his program. Having well-respected upper classmen in the locker room can help with that transition. This is still a team which is a work in progress, but Govan will help keep them together.
Georgetown head coach Patrick Ewing — Image credit: AP Photo/Nick Wass
Ewing will be looking to take Georgetown into the next phase of their rebuild. Govan’s been instrumental with implementing the type of culture the Hoyas want. This hasn’t gone overlooked by other coaches around the conference. Govan was picked for the Preseason All-Big East First Team at this year’s media day.
League coaches have Georgetown finishing seventh in the Big East. The conference lost a great deal of talent after last season with players graduating and/or moving on to the pros. Georgetown is still rebuilding under Ewing but have enough talent to at least be a bubble team for March.
Govan is an impact player for Georgetown. His decision to go back for his senior season makes this a two-way street. Govan’s going to benefit from one more season at the collegiate level. Georgetown will not be overlooked, they’re a legitimate sleeper team to watch out for.
