BIG EAST TOP TWO-GUARDS 2008-2009: 8) JESSE SAPP

November 11, 2008


When it comes to players in the Big East that are overlooked, Jesse Sapp should be at the top of the list of those under-appreciated for the contributions they make to a winning team. Sapp is a 6-foot-3 senior guard out of New York City that has scored some points, grabbed some rebounds, dished some assists and has played defense when needed over the last few years for John Thompson III's back-to-back Big East regular season champs.

Last season saw Sapp improve dramtically with his long range shooting (62-151) as he connected on 41% from beyond the arc. In addition to the nearly 10 points a game Sapp added to the Hoya attack, he also averaged 4 rebounds and just over three assists, similar to his sophomore numbers.

Sapp is also known for his toughness and his experience and confidence that comes with that NYC swagger will be relied on heavily by the new-look Hoyas. With Chris Wright at point guard and Austin Freeman on the wing, Sapp might find a really good comfort level with the style of play the Hoyas might be moving slowing towards.

Expect a very good senior season for Sapp. The NCAA Basketball Odds for the Hoyas might be down slightly this season with all the new faces, but a veteran presence like Sapp should be a tremendous asset and keep the Hoyas in the NCAA mix.

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BIG EAST TOP POINT GUARDS 2008-2009: 9) CHRIS WRIGHT

November 5, 2008


The toughest point guard position to evaluate and project is that of the Georgetown Hoyas. With the intricate, Princeton-style offense that John Thompson III employs with Georgetown takes much of the playmaking onus off of his point guard and puts it in the hands of the system, meaning every player is expected to create offense by movement and passing.

Over the last four seasons, Jonathan Wallace has fit perfectly within that offense as the lead guard, but Wallace has graduated and sophomore Chris Wright will take the reigns of the ship. As far as potential, Wright is a player that could grade out significantly higher after this season, there is just too much of an unknown with him heading into this year.

Wright missed nearly all of the Big East schedule last season with a foot injury. He returned in time for the postseason and JT III threw him into the fire in the Big East and NCAA Tournaments, showing how highly regarded the staff values his potential. Wright plays basketball at a different tempo than his predecessor and seeing how effective he is in the halfcourt sets that the Georgetown system promotes will be the key to his development this season. Wright definitely preferred a structured system as he originally committed to Herb Sendek at NC State before re-opening his recruitment and casting his lot with the Hoyas.

Chris Wright has the tools and potential to be much higher on this list, however, after missing much of last season, he is essentially a freshman this year and that inexperience might be some tough college basketball odds to overcome. The adjustment for the team, staff and Wright will be a bit of a learning curve, but in time, look for Wright to be MUCH higher on this list in the future as he gets his feet under him.

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