By: Abe Rothstein (@RothsteinAbe) and Scott Greaney (@ScottGreaney_)
The 2025-26 George Washington males’s basketball season certainly is momentous. As the one remaining constitution member of the Atlantic 10 remaining within the league, the Revolutionaries have their eyes set on the highest of the convention.
The braintrust in Foggy Backside has put collectively a roster that has GW sitting at 81 within the preseason KenPom rankings, one spot towards exhibition foe and rivals up M St., Georgetown. A buy-in between faculty president Ellen Granberg, Athletic Director Michael Lipitz, head coach Chris Caputo and gamers have the Revs sitting fairly in preseason Atlantic 10 polling.
4 gamers had been named to an All-Convention Preseason workforce, tied for the league excessive. Highlighted by potential A-10 Participant of the 12 months in Rafael Castro main the primary workforce, becoming a member of current alum, James Bishop, because the current Revolutionaries to have the consideration. GW additionally had Duquesne switch Tre Dinkins III named to the Second Group and two extra returners in guards Christian Jones and Trey Autry spherical out the Third Group. As well as, Castro was named to the all-Defensive Group as nicely.
Income sharing and NIL definitely assist GW, as they sit among the many high finish within the convention in cash obtainable to spend growing this system.
The 2025-26 season brings expectations which were missing for years in Northwest D.C. With a matchup towards the defending nationwide champions in Florida on the docket, a number of video games on ESPN and the primary “FridA-10” showdown on the Smith Middle in over eight years, the thrill definitely is palpable. Whether or not that buzz turns into actual momentum will rely on college students, alumni and followers themselves – exhibiting up, filling the Smith Middle and proving that the long-talked-about lack of college spirit is beginning to give method to a real home-court ambiance worthy of the revitalized program.
Returners from final 12 months have been supplemented by high caliber transfers, with GW receiving reward from main media shops for his or her portal class.
With all of these elements being at play, the Revs are within the strongest place in years. It’s straightforward to crown offseason champions, however every part can change as soon as the season will get underway. David Korn obtained us began on the upcoming season, right here’s our preview of the 2025-26 season.
Taking up Georgetown
Taking up Georgetown
44 years within the making, GW is lastly taking up the Georgetown Hoyas. As GW head coach Chris Caputo talked about within the George’s Military hype video posted to social media, he was six months previous the final time the inside metropolis rivals performed.
The times of dangerous blood are over with Caputo and Georgetown head coach Ed Cooley on the helm. Each are transferring previous the 2 faculties butting heads.
“I wish to thank Coach Cooley and Georgetown for agreeing to do that, we’ve talked all through the years,” stated Caputo. “I feel that this can be a good step, , and hopefully not the top of various alternatives for us to play.”
December thirteenth, 1980 was the final time each groups performed on the Smith Middle with the Hoyas leaving victorious in a 84-82 additional time victory. Georgetown’s Mike Hancock knocked down a jumper to seal the sport for the Hoyas.
Following the additional time victory, the final sport between the faculties was performed a 12 months afterward December 16, 1981 with Georgetown claiming one other victory.
“A offered out Smith Middle is a superb atmosphere for each groups,” stated Caputo. “For each groups to really feel like is what school basketball is all about.”
Participant by Participant Breakdown: The Returners
The Returners:
In case you instructed folks at the start of final season that the Revolutionaries would discover themselves with three returning gamers named to the preseason all-conference workforce, they in all probability would’ve discovered you loopy.
A number of reinforcements had been introduced in to complement the spectacular returning core of GW, giving the teaching employees the sensation that they’ll compete with anybody on any night time.
Rafael Castro: Redshirt Senior (Preseason All-Convention First Group, All-Defensive Group)
2024-25 stats: 14 PPG, 8.9 RPG (led A-10), 1.4 BPG, 1.2 SPG, 66% FG (led A-10)
Rafael Castro leads the cost for GW and has critical expectations as not solely a possible participant of the 12 months within the convention, however one of many higher facilities within the nation.
Followers rightfully nervous this offseason of the possibility that Castro may be poached by an influence convention workforce, however he wished to remain the place the employees gave him a shot, one thing that’s more and more uncommon.
The New Jersey product had one of many greatest enhancements out of any participant in America. Following two seasons at Windfall the place he noticed sparing taking part in time, Slim wished to return to the A-10 to have an opportunity to play significant minutes.
Castro took a cataclysmic leap in his junior marketing campaign, main GW in scoring, rebounding, blocks and discipline aim proportion simply to call a number of classes. His rebounding numbers and discipline aim proportion had been good for first in the complete convention. He had eight complete video games with 20 or extra factors scored and solely six complete video games all season in single figures.
First workforce All-Convention and All-Protection had been amongst two of the accolades acquired at A-10 Media Day, however the employees nonetheless sees room for Castro to blossom into a fair higher participant.
“Can he be elite in decide and roll protection constantly?” assistant coach Matt Colpoys stated. “Can he guard in house and change on to smaller gamers, which we did so much final 12 months with him. Can he develop and get even higher there?”
One factor we learn about Castro is the hassle he places in each on and off the court docket. It definitely paid off final season, and now with extra spacing on the ground offensively, we very nicely would possibly see one other soar.
Anticipate some elevated accountability on the offensive finish for Castro, because the employees will look to him on the perimeter to seek out cutters on the within and play extra in a dribble handoff state of affairs.
“Can he get higher the place he can affect in each a part of the sport,” stated Colpoys. “On offense, he’s going to dominate the restricted space together with his offensive rebounding, lobs, these issues. His publish sport actually expanded in the direction of the again finish of final 12 months.”
In case you felt that the Revolutionaries had been unable to hit a lob final 12 months to Castro, you had been probably right. In observe, we’ve seen some lobs on the cash to Slim and we’d undoubtedly count on to see some alley-oops ignite the group this season within the Smith Middle.
Castro is the guts and soul of this workforce, count on one other huge time 12 months.
Trey Autry: Junior (A-10 Preseason All-Convention Third Group)
2024-25 stats: 10.4 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 1 SPG, 39% 3PT
You would possibly wish to begin calling Trey Autry by his nickname, Difficult. With three Trey’s (two Trey’s, one Tre) on the workforce this season between Autry, Dinkins and Moss it certainly is a guard room full of Trey’s.
Trey may be the right title for Autry, who burst onto the scene final season taking an enormous leap in his sophomore marketing campaign. He almost doubled his factors per sport common from 5.4 his freshman season to 10.4, leaping from 34% to 38% from three, doubling his steals per sport from .5 to 1, or placing GW on his again towards Fordham at Capital One Area. Autry was one of the environment friendly gamers in the complete convention.
This media day, Difficult was named to the A-10 all convention third workforce.
“It’s preseason, it doesn’t actually imply something,” stated Autry when requested about his recognition. “It’s undoubtedly cool to know that you simply just like the work that you simply put in, the hours which might be unseen will get seen.”
“[Autry] was the perfect plus minus participant within the league final 12 months,” stated assistant coach Matt Colpoys. “Superior analytics love Trey. Autry was a high 20 participant within the nation final 12 months.”
You didn’t want analytics to indicate you the significance of Autry on the ground for the Revolutionaries final season from an offensive perspective. Defensively Autry is seeking to enhance his prowess on the opposite facet of the ball as certainly one of his season objectives.
“We’re attempting to play quick this 12 months, I would like to have the ability to take a soar defensively,” stated Autry. “You understand, be any person who can hound the ball and be any person who can maintain his facet much more on the defensive finish.”
Coach Colpoys sees much more room for progress from the junior. Regardless of him residing across the three level line for his first two seasons in Foggy Backside.
“We now have far more taking pictures now there’s house for him to drive,” stated Colpoys. “It wasn’t that he couldn’t do it earlier than, it was that it wasn’t what our workforce required.”
The driving means of Autry will open up a brand new dimension to his sport, particularly within the passing division. All through this summer season and the autumn practices, the employees famous that Autry is high 5 on the workforce in assists.
Even with convention accolades, Autry’s focus stays the identical.
Christian Jones: Redshirt Sophomore (All-Rookie Group/Preseason All-Convention Third Group)
2024-25 stats: 8.7 PPG, 2.6 APG, 1.7 SPG, 35% 3PT
Once we wrote our 2024-25 season preview, we requested all people one query: who will shock us probably the most? From gamers to coaches to graduate assistants, everybody unanimously agreed that Christian Jones could be that man.
Popping out of highschool, Jones was a 3 star recruit from Our Savior Lutheran within the Bronx, a program that has produced prime quality gamers corresponding to Posh Alexander, Dylan Addae-Wusu, Maximus Edwards and even NBA expertise in Valuable Achiuwa. As I perused by the alumni record, former Kiss member Ace Frehley additionally traversed the halls of Our Savior Lutheran (might he relaxation in peace).
If not for an additional Jones within the league (Deuce Jones), Christian would have been the A-10 Rookie of the 12 months. Highlighted by 14 video games with double determine scoring and a profession excessive mark of 23 factors within the victory towards Dayton, Jones is prepared for a leap in his redshirt sophomore season.
“He’s obtained so many abilities you possibly can’t train…” Colpoys stated. “He’s getting stronger.”
Coming into this season, Jones has gained ten kilos of muscle, in accordance with energy and conditioning coach Robert “Helpful” Handerahan. You undoubtedly can see the distinction on the court docket.
“He’s obtained all of it. It’s nearly constantly placing it collectively, which he’s accomplished an increasing number of of,” Colpoys continued. “And he’s an superior learner. He listens very well and learns by taking part in, which I feel we noticed final 12 months.”
Redshirting his freshman 12 months proved to be an enormous assist in the event of the younger guard. Now coming into the brand new season with all-conference recognition, he’s able to take one other step up as he competes with different guards for main minutes on the court docket.
Garrett Johnson: Redshirt Junior
Missed 2024-2025 (torn ACL)
The true wild card for George Washington this season is the supply of Garrett Johnson. After lacking nearly all of convention play in 2024 with a hip harm, Johnson returned to the court docket in summer season 2024, the place he tore his ACL within the first observe again.
It’s actually been an extended and winding highway for Johnson, the place he has primarily been restricted to taking part in about 19 video games in a span of six years stretching from highschool to Princeton now to GW.
When wholesome, Caputo would be the first to say that he believes Johnson just isn’t solely one of many higher shooters within the convention, however the complete nation, an announcement heard advert nauseum in Caputo press conferences, and one of many bins on “Caputo Bingo”.
Johnson’s first season within the buff and blue was stellar and if not for his harm, he was a shoo-in for A-10 rookie of the 12 months. The Oakton product averaged 13.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg whereas pulling down threes at a 40.3% clip. GW definitely will welcome again his providers this season as one of many high shooters, particularly at his measurement of 6-7.
It will be silly to count on Johnson to play greater than half-hour a sport because the teaching employees will probably be cautious to start out the season, however the newly discovered depth permits for a construct up over time.
“He’s extra than simply the shot making, and he’s a lot greater than a shooter,” stated Matt Colpoys. “His physique is completely totally different, and he’s a monster.”
Johnson has noticeably gained muscle, over 10 kilos in complete in accordance with Handerahan. The load achieve will assist him on either side of the ball.
“He’s gotten so much higher defensively,” stated Colpoys. “Figuring out what’s happening and understanding our protection, after which simply bodily, he’s simply larger and stronger.”
There are few tales in school basketball nearly as good because the return of Garrett Johnson. Now, it’s all about getting again into sport form and getting these reside reps. Much less strain is on the desk for Johnson and followers certainly will probably be excited to see him return to the court docket.
Ty Bevins: Sophomore
2024-25 stats: 2.4 PPG, .6 SPG, 39% 3PT
Bevins emerged as a key member of the rotation in the direction of the again half of final season. Coming in as a real freshman, he gave the Revs the primary actual minutes from a real freshman since Trey Autry did the 12 months prior, one thing that has been exceedingly uncommon within the Caputo period.
He discovered his knack, pulling down nook threes at a excessive charge, eclipsing 38% for his freshman marketing campaign. Alongside together with his sturdy efficiency from three, he proved to be a robust defender with three video games with two steals.
The teaching employees praised the Prince George’s County product as a participant who performed his function completely. Even with a extra crowded backcourt, Bevins’ versatility will play in his favor this season.
Trey Moss: Redshirt Senior
2024-25 stats: 4.7 PPG, 1.9 RPG
Moss was introduced in final season following a productive season at William and Mary. The Florida product was a member of the rotation at the start of the 12 months, showcasing some actual defensive depth and hustle, till he handled an harm and was by no means the identical.
The emergence of Christian Jones on the guard place knocked Moss out of the lineup, however he proved to play worthwhile spot minutes. Presently coping with an harm, Moss has been out of shape and should combat for minutes in a crowded backcourt this season.
The Transfers
Newcomers:
Tre Dinkins III – Duquesne, Canisius (Preseason All-Convention 2nd Group)
2024-25 stats: 12.9 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 3.1 APG, 40.9 FG%, 37.9 3P%
The Revs’ first addition of the offseason, Tre Dinkins III, arrives in Foggy Backside bringing confirmed A-10 expertise and a assured scoring contact. The 6-foot-2 guard from Chester, Pennsylvania performed in all 32 video games for Duquesne final season, averaging almost 13 factors per sport whereas taking pictures near 38 % from three. Revolutionaries followers might keep in mind him from final 12 months’s Maximus Edwards’ “revenge sport” on the Smith Middle, the place Dinkins posted 12 factors within the 73–65 Duquesne win. Now, he’ll look to make that very same affect in GW’s favor.
Dinkins’ sport matches seamlessly into Coach Caputo’s offense — a ball-dominant guard who thrives within the excessive pick-and-roll, able to creating for himself or facilitating seems for teammates like Rafael Castro, whereas additionally having the ability to shoot the ball at a constant clip. His expertise working an A-10 offense final 12 months provides the Revs one other dependable late-game choice, significantly in shut convention video games.
Coach Colpoys famous that Dinkins has made main strides defensively, calling that finish of the ground his “greatest space of enchancment” up to now. Together with his scoring versatility, management and newfound defensive edge, Dinkins could possibly be one of the quietly worthwhile pickups of the summer season, a gradual hand able to taking management when the lights are brightest.
Bubu Benjamin shoots a nook three throughout a scrimmage vs. Temple / Photograph Credit score: @GW_MBB
Bubu Benjamin – Tarleton State
2024-25 stats: 13.9 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.5 SPG, 44.1 FG%, 38.0 3P%
The Medication Hat, Alberta native selected George Washington over a listing of Energy 4 packages that included Michigan, TCU, UCF and Richmond. Benjamin was an important contributor at Tartleton State final season as the highest scorer, averaging 13.9 factors per sport, whereas taking pictures 44 % from the sector and 38 % from three level vary. With two years of eligibility left, Benjamin joins the Revs as a ready-made contributor able to impacting each ends of the ground.
Colpoys’ face lit up when speaking about what he’s seen from the 6 ‘7’ junior guard. “He’s obtained Protection Participant of the 12 months potential – he’s that disruptive when groups attempt to run motion towards him.” Colpoys in contrast Benjamin’s defensive IQ to that of final 12 months’s A-10 Defensive Participant of the 12 months, Jared Billups, for his information and anticipation of opponents’ offensive schemes.
Benjamin had probably the most defensive rebounds for the Texans final season, was tied for the workforce lead in complete steals and was the second-highest offensive rebounder. The Revs will probably be hoping to make the most of his pure means as a guard to soar to the glass, one thing they haven’t had since Maximus Edwards two seasons in the past. It’s very doable that Benjamin may take over the small ahead spot and break right into a second or third choice because the season progresses.
Tryone Marshall Jr. – Western Kentucky, Colby CC
2024-25 stats: 10.4 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.4 APG, 1.2 SPG, 42.1 FG%, 31.5 3P%
Tyrone Marshall Jr., recognized by teammates and coaches as “Woo”, was the ultimate Revs switch acquisition this previous summer season, coming in after 3 years at Western Kentucky. His profession is consultant of the brand new norm in school basketball, with this season being his sixth 12 months taking part in collegiate basketball after taking part in two years of JUCO at Colby CC after which 4 at Western Kentucky.
The Nashville, Tennessee product is one of some GW transfers who’ve expertise taking part in within the postseason, as he was a key a part of Western Kentucky’s run to the NCAA Event, scoring 21 factors towards two-seeded Marquette within the First Spherical. He was additionally named All-CUSA Honorable Point out twice in his three years and appeared in all 32 video games final season averaging slightly below 29 minutes per sport.
With regards to his sport, Marshall Jr. can actually function a jack of all trades for the Revolutionaries on the 4 spot. At 6-foot-8 and round 215 kilos, he provides Coach Caputo an versatile choice for a number of rotations, whether or not meaning going small, leaning on larger lineups, pushing the tempo in transition, or slowing the sport down within the half court docket. Together with his construct and athleticism from what we’ve seen up to now in practices, be careful for some spotlight posters from “Woo,” like this one in GW’s scrimmage towards Temple.
“[Marshall Jr.] is so inventive, he’s like a inventive ahead.” coach Colpoys stated.”He’s a brilliant versatile participant that we obtained to make use of in the best methods and a bit totally different than anybody else that we now have.”
The optimism surrounding Marshall Jr’s potential breakout isn’t just shared by the teaching employees, but additionally amongst his teammates.
“I feel “Woo” [Marshall Jr.] goes to be a fan favourite,” Autry stated. “ I feel lots of people are going to love the thrill he brings and the flexibility he brings to the court docket.”
Some might keep in mind our right prediction of Christian Jones’ breakout season final 12 months, and whereas it stays to be seen whether or not Marshall Jr. will woo crowds in the identical approach, he’s our decide for this 12 months’s Shock Breakout Participant.
Jean Aranguren – Hofstra, Iona
2024-25 stats: 14.2 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 4.2 APG, 41 FG%, 34.2 3P%
Coming off a breakout 12 months at Hofstra, 6-foot-3 Venezuelan guard Jean Aranguren arrives at GW as a confirmed two-way playmaker, contemporary off averaging 14.2 factors, 5.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists whereas beginning each sport for the Delight. His playmaking was significantly spectacular, ending fourth within the convention and 71st nationally in help charge, per KenPom.
Caputo has lengthy recruited from his house state of New York, and Aranguren matches that mould, having starred at Higher Room Christian Faculty in Lengthy Island earlier than starting his school profession at Iona.
Coach Colpoys couldn’t assist however rave about Aranguren’s competitiveness and passing means, calling him “an final competitor” who “simply wins” each drill in observe. Colpoys additionally stated that he has ranked fourth in offensive rebounds in practices, which is spectacular for a 6-foot-3 guard. The Revs had been sixth within the convention in offensive rebounds per sport final season and Aranguren’s tenacity on the glass alongside his means to seek out the open man may pay dividends for the Revs this season.
Luke Starvation – Northwestern
2024-25 stats: 2.8 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 1.2 APG, 38.1 FG%, 11.1 3P%
Coming over from Northwestern, Luke Starvation brings with him each Huge Ten expertise and the mindset of a participant able to make a right away affect in Foggy Backside. The 6-foot-10 ahead began in Northwestern’s Second Spherical NCAA Event sport towards eventual nationwide champion UConn and NBA lottery decide Donovan Clingan, gaining worthwhile expertise towards elite competitors. After serving as a backup to five-year starter Matthew Nicholson, Starvation instructed me he feels “nicely ready” for the same function behind Rafael Castro whereas persevering with to develop his sport as a stretch 4 and never only a conventional heart.
Colpoys praised Starvation’s all-around talent set as a “versatile huge who can step out, he can shoot threes, publish up and go nicely.”
“He’s actually good at flowing offense and getting from level A to B to C, which is tremendous necessary the way in which that we play – we use our bigs a ton.”
Very like what followers noticed final season with Sean Hansen, Colpoys likes to offer his huge males a big function within the gameplan.
“For us, bigs are so necessary in flowing our offense due to their affect, they’re guard decide and roll coverages, they’re guarding the rim – they’re the anchor.”
With regards to the concept of presumably working a double-big lineup with Starvation and Castro, Colpoys locations much less emphasis on particular person stats within the field rating, however extra of their affect on the sport. Let’s revisit the instance of Sean Hansen final 12 months once more. If you take a look at the stat sheet, Hansen averaged simply 5.2 factors and a couple of.8 rebounds which could not appear to be so much. However once you zoom in, you keep in mind an skilled veteran who performed almost 20 minutes each sport aside from the season finale versus Boise State, showcased glimpses of playmaking prowess and was constant insurance coverage behind Castro.
As for Starvation, he’s been working this previous summer season on engaged on enhancing his poise and endurance on the court docket. “I feel I can do a greater job of not being as rushed in sure conditions with the ball and making choices down low.”
The Freshmen
Two freshman newcomers be part of the Revolutionaries.
Jalen Rougier-Roane: G| 6-4 | Bowie, MD | HS: Sidwell Buddies
Staying near house, Jalen-Rougier Roane didn’t must journey far to grow to be a Revolutionary. The 6-foot-5 taking pictures guard from Sidwell Buddies has made the quick journey down Wisconsin Avenue to Foggy Backside, selecting GW over a robust record of packages that included George Mason, Marquette, Penn State, Virginia Tech and others. A Bowie, Maryland native, Rougier-Roane was one of the adorned gamers within the DMV space, ranked because the No. 8 prospect regionally by 247Sports. He’s additionally gained worthwhile worldwide expertise, representing Canada’s U18 Nationwide Group on the AmeriCup, the place he showcased his poise and skill to contribute on each ends of the ground. As he’s been recovering from a damaged foot suffered in his remaining 12 months of highschool competitors, Rougier Roane might develop into a major long-term funding and play for Coach Caputo.
Vincent (“Vinny”) Chaudri: F| 6-7 |Wallkill, NY |Northfield Mount Hermon
At 6-foot-7, “Vinny” Chaudri joins GW from Northfield Mount Hermon as a consensus three-star prospect and a top-10 participant out of New York. A Wallkill, NY native, he provides to the Revolutionaries’ rising Empire State pipeline after selecting GW over Loyola Chicago, SMU, Saint Louis, George Mason, and Richmond. Whereas Chaudri brings intriguing measurement and flexibility on the wing, he nonetheless carries the body of a growing freshman and can probably profit from a 12 months of bodily progress earlier than getting into a daily rotation function. We don’t have any phrase but, however it will not be shocking to see him take a redshirt season as Christian Jones did two seasons in the past.
The Departures
Gerald Drumgoole Jr. (Graduated)
2024-25 stats: 34 video games (began all): 11.0 Pts, 2.7 Reb, 1.2 Ast
The Rochester product proved to be worthwhile for the Revolutionaries final season. Ending out his remaining 12 months of eligibility in Foggy Backside, Drumgoole was second on the workforce in scoring.
Highlighted by performances behind the arc towards Dayton and in early non-conference play, Drumgoole proved his worth, although he did hit a number of tough patches in convention play from three. A donut gap on ten makes an attempt behind the arc proved expensive within the double additional time loss in Fairfax towards George Mason.
Drumgoole was as streaky as they get, however was a fantastic presence inside the locker room and with the media.
Sean Hansen (Graduated)
2024-25 stats: 33 video games (19 begins) 5.2 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 1.8 APG
Sean Hansen was the primary true backup heart introduced in by the employees because the departure of Noel Brown. Coming from Cornell, Hansen began the season coming off the bench, then changed Darren Buchanan Jr. within the beginning lineup following his harm.
The teaching employees liked his means to go and shoot, particularly as a giant man. Hansen offered necessary minutes, however groups started to determine the GW lineup throughout convention play as the shortage of Buchanan involvement shined the highlight on Hansen.
Hansen had a season excessive 12 factors in a highway victory towards Rhode Island.
Following his commencement, Hansen stays within the D.C. space.
Darren Buchanan Jr. (Switch: Rutgers)
2024-25 stats: 32 video games (15 begins) 10.6 PPG, 5.8 RPG
When Buchanan Jr. introduced he’d be returning house to DC and taking part in for the then-Colonials, many followers had been excited to see what the District’s former Gatorade Participant of the 12 months needed to showcase in his personal yard. As soon as he took over the beginning lineup seven video games into the season within the Baha Mar Hoops Basic, the 6-foot-7 ahead by no means appeared again, averaging 15.6 factors and 6.6 rebounds per sport, incomes him 4 A-10 Rookie of the Week accolades and a spot on the A-10 All-Rookie Group.
Coming off such a robust 12 months main the Revs, hopes and expectations had been excessive on Buchanan Jr. to steer the Revolutionaries within the post-James Bishop IV period. Trying to show the voters who left him off the Preseason All-Convention First Group flawed, Buchanan Jr. had an exceptional begin all through the primary 9 video games of the out-of-conference schedule, averaging 16.7 factors per sport, placing him on monitor for a possible A-10 First Group-caliber season. Nonetheless, a decrease physique harm picked up towards Outdated Dominion appeared to actually throw his momentum off monitor. Conversely, the rise of Rafael Castro’s stardom final 12 months appeared to have an effect on his mindset and buy-in to the workforce because the season progressed. After scoring double figures in 12 of the primary 13 video games, GW’s as soon as star ahead solely had six video games in double figures the remainder of the season. With that being stated, Buchanan Jr. did play a heavy half alongside Autry’s threes in GW’s win towards Fordham within the first spherical of the A-10 Event in Capital One Area. Nonetheless, if you happen to instructed a GW fan in the beginning of the season final 12 months that their Preseason All-Convention Second Group decide wouldn’t even be in consideration for an All-Convention workforce, many would discover that tough to imagine.
Buchanan Jr. entered the switch portal within the hole window after the A-10 match and the School Basketball Crown and has moved up the northeast hall to play for Rutgers as they enter their post-Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey part. He has stated he’s “wanting ahead to gaining his confidence again” on the court docket after a difficult remaining season in Foggy Backside, battling harm and taking part in time. He’s on monitor to not solely be a starter for the Scarlet Knights, however presumably a significant offensive focal-point in New Brunswick.
Jacoi Hutchinson (Switch: Longwood)
2024-25 stats: 6.5 PPG, 2.4 APG, 1.3 SPG
On the time of his recruitment, Hutchinson was ranked as the very best ranked recruit landed by GW within the trendy period.
Hutchinson was promising in his first season in Foggy Backside, transferring to the beginning lineup as accidents ravaged the buff and blue. His freshman marketing campaign noticed him finish the season averaging a tick under eight factors per sport, three rebounds, two assists and a steal per sport. As well as, Hutchinson shot 40% from three, giving GW followers lots of causes to be excited.
Final season, his sophomore marketing campaign struck a distinct wire battling extra depth within the backcourt. With the emergence of Christian Jones coming off a redshirt season, Trey Autry taking a significant leap, and the harm bug, Hutchinson struggled to seek out the identical success.
Following the top of the season, Hutchinson introduced his intention to switch out and can play this season at Longwood.
Dayan Nessah (Switch: Cleveland State)
2024-25 stats: 21 appearances, 1.7 PPG
Nessah was a late dedication to GW in the summertime of 2024. Initially ranked as a extremely touted worldwide recruit from Switzerland, he competed at a excessive degree for workforce Switzerland at U18 Eurobasket.
The Geneva, Switzerland native had spectacular measurement, however wanted extra seasoning and didn’t obtain a lot taking part in time. In seek for extra time on the court docket, Nessah transferred to Cleveland State the place he’ll vie for minutes for the Vikings.
Keegan Harvey (Switch: Bryant)
2024-25 stats: 6 appearances
The ultimate piece of the Jamion Christian period departed GW on the finish of final season after receiving his engineering diploma. That’s definitely a powerful accomplishment juggling a D1 sport and engineering.
Whereas Harvey by no means noticed a lot taking part in time after transferring to GW from the School of Charleston halfway by the 2021-22 season, he was in style with the coed physique. A seven foot three level menace doesn’t come round too typically, however accidents obtained in the way in which of him making the rotation.
Now reunited with Christian at Bryant, Harvey has a transparent path for taking part in time and a possible to make an affect on the court docket.
Zamoku Weluche-Ume (Switch: North Carolina A & T)
2024-25 stats: 1 sport, didn’t rating
The English product was a recruit prized by former GW assistant Zak Boisvert. He introduced good measurement and the flexibility to shoot from past the arc, however accidents restricted him to just one sport final season.
With no clear path to the rotation, Weluche-Ume transferred to North Carolina A&T, the place he may have an opportunity to play this upcoming 12 months.
Power in Numbers: Beginning Lineup Buzz
Beginning lineups at all times generate tons of buzz earlier than and through a season. Coach Caputo could be the primary to inform you that the beginning lineup just isn’t the top all be all as some might imagine.
In his first three seasons on the helm in Foggy Backside, it’s been straightforward for us to decipher the beginning lineup based mostly on practices, a little bit of widespread sense and a few intel.
This 12 months, issues are totally different. For the primary time since I can keep in mind, GW has a workforce that may legitimately go ten gamers deep. By means of a mixture of recruitment, improvement and the switch portal the Revolutionaries have set them up for main success, even when a number of accidents bug to hit.
A typical conception of the switch portal is coaches promising a specific amount of taking part in time, a beginning spot, or different ensures to convey the participant to their faculty. Caputo took a distinct path to bringing in gamers, preaching the tradition and program constructing.
Wanting throughout the convention, these guarantees have typically proved to be to the detriment of a participant. Look no additional than Baraka Okojie who transferred from George Mason to Memphis and noticed sparing taking part in time. Former La Salle Explorer Rokas Jocius transferred to UCF after a promising season on Olney Avenue, barely performed as a Knight and now finds himself at Loyola Marymount. You would discover numerous examples of this and I may need chosen the A-10 sicko variations.
Chris Caputo and GW have accomplished issues in another way. Actually, no gamers had been promised a beginning function coming into the season, even the returners. The one starter presently set in stone is Rafael Castro.
“No person got here right here with the concept that they’re going to play a specific amount of minutes or get a specific amount of photographs, or something like that,” stated Caputo. “That was actually necessary on the way in which in, that we didn’t promise something to anybody.”
As an alternative of the set in stone lineups followers are acquainted with, I’d count on a matchup-based strategy to the season. In opposition to the enormous lineup of the Florida Gators, we may see Luke Starvation slide in on the 4 spot alongside Castro. If Garrett Johnson wants a relaxation after lacking all of final season, we may see a rise of Bubu Benjamin or Tyrone Marshall. At this level, the employees will look to journey the new palms and matchup-based lineups, particularly with a crowded backcourt.
Regardless of the inflow of sturdy gamers, the attitudes are in the best place.
“Iron sharpens iron,” stated Trey Autry, one of many many guards vying for minutes. “ We now have a bunch of fellows who’re excessive degree guys capable of exit each single day and have totally different mixtures.”
For a workforce that has had some gamers keep on the court docket almost 35 minutes an evening and have ranked 263rd and 143rd in bench minutes the final two seasons in accordance with KenPom, the depth is welcome.
“Someday may be your day, sooner or later may not be your day,” stated Autry. “That’s the fantastic thing about it, having the ability to go face to face each single day. I imply, it’s been it’s been enjoyable”
I wouldn’t count on to see anybody on this workforce common greater than half-hour an evening.
For now, don’t fear about who begins the sport, however look to see who finishes.
The Whiteboard: Notes and Nuggets
THE WHITEBOARD:
- Former graduate assistants at the moment are well-immersed into their new roles within the sports activities world.
- Contained in the coaching room:
- Trey Moss has been nursing a decrease physique harm and has been OUT of observe.
- Tre Dinkins has misplaced 20 kilos since arriving on campus, in accordance with Robert “Helpful” Handerahan, the pinnacle of GW Power and Conditioning.
- Amir Arrington has been tracked within the weight room greater than any student-athlete in the complete faculty. Arrington has gained 20 lbs, he seems completely jacked.
- Jalen Rougier-Roane is down 18 kilos since arriving on campus. He missed most of his senior marketing campaign at Sidwell Buddies.
- Trey Autry is now listed at 210 lbs, up from 200 final season.
- Christian Jones has jumped from 6-2 to 6-4 and in addition gained 10 lbs of muscle, noticeably within the higher physique, now weighing in at 200 lbs.
- Garrett Johnson is wholesome and has been within the weight room, gaining 10 lbs of muscle.
- Bubu Benjamin has a 7-foot wingspan – the employees has some excessive hopes for the Tarleton State switch and has been the “hardest taking part in man.”
Different notes and nuggets:
- Within the fiftieth anniversary season of the Smith Middle, Chris Caputo has made gamers understanding the historical past of the college a key theme. In a observe, he took the workforce over to the one pink seat, which the college has to honor former alum Crimson Auerbach.
“I simply wished to verify we’re educating the fellows concerning the historical past of our program,” stated Caputo. “The historical past of basketball clearly [at GW] begins right here with Crimson Auerbach.”
- Crimson Auerbach, as Caputo famous, used to park his automotive by the fraternity townhouses and would play racquetball within the basement of the Smith Middle.
- Chris Caputo attended the Basketball Corridor of Fame induction of Saint Bonaventure Normal Supervisor and former ESPN reporter Adrian “Woj” Wojnarowski. The 2 have been mates since Woj labored on the Bergen Document and lined George Mason throughout their run to the Last 4.
- New lighting shows and in sport enhancements will probably be in full pressure on the Smith Middle.
- New threads quickly?
