Eyes of the Enemy: George Washington Q&A
A big thanks to Mid-Major Madness contributor Nkwa Asonye for answering some of our questions about Wednesday’s game against George Washington. Nkwa in a GW alum and former basketball radio commentator for the Colonials.
Longwood hasn’t matched up with GW since 2009 when the Lancers knocked off the Colonials 80–78 in Willett Hall (sorry to bring that up), Karl Hobbs was the coach at that time and now you have Mike Gillian doppelganger Mike Lonergan at the helm. What has changed the most since Lonergan has taken over.
What I think has changed the most is the defense. Even though the Colonials’ first two seasons under Coach Lonergan’s first two seasons at GW were rough, containing their opponents — helped largely by the presence of graduated senior Isaiah Armwood — was something for the team to hang its hat on even when they struggled offensively, and it still is today. They’re going into tomorrow with the A10’s best scoring defense and after a tough loss on Friday, I expect it to show up.
Can you talk a little bit about Patrico Garino and what he brings to the table. He’s one of my favorite players to watch in college hoops and I’m not looking forward to matching up with him.
Pato’s an emerging two-way player, and his best asset is his perimeter defense. He usually draws the opponents’ best offensive player and plays the passing lanes very well. Moreover, he’s crafty enough to get his points at the basket almost at will (look out for that reverse layup). The real question concerning Garino involves his shooting. Freshman year his offensive arsenal took some time to go through the high school to collegiate adjustment; sophomore year he was hampered by injury but came on strong down the stretch. The coaching staff and fans expect big things from the Argentine this campaign.
Longwood has really struggled against the zone early this season. Do you think GW will utilize that or just try to play their own style?
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Well, I got to see GW employ their staple 1–3–1 zone up close Friday night…and out of about only three possessions, Virginia got a wide open corner three and a highlight-reel alley-oop. Back to the man-to-man for just about the rest of the game.
Since the zone needs some work before visiting Seton Hall on Saturday — and as you mentioned, Longwood struggles against it — I could see the Colonials leaning on it a bit more than usual.
Freshman Yuta Watanabe is making quite the impact early. Can you talk a little about his game and what he’s brought to the Colonials?
“Unafraid” is the word that really comes to mind for me, and it could lead to him starting sooner than later. Yuta stretches the floor with his jumper and if he can establish himself in the post, it will take a lot of pressure off of forward Kevin Larsen who’s seen constant double teams every game this season. He brings a buzz whenever he checks into the ballgame and student section already likes chanting his name. With Yuta on the floor, GW usually boasts its best scoring lineup.
I made a road trip with some buddies to the Longwood-GW game in 2006. We went to the Foggy Bottom Pub pregame. Is that still around and what’s the best spot around the Smith Center?
It’s still around, but they moved it! 2021 K Street NW…two of my favorite pregame spots (when I wasn’t working lol) are Tonic at Quigley’s Pharmacy is just a block away and TGI Fridays has a great happy hour too.
What’s your prediction for Wednesday’s game?
Longwood’s going to put up a fight, but GW’s not going to take this game lightly. The Colonials win this one going away 80–66.
