In 100th matchup, Hoyas gird for Johnnie talent

January 3, 2014 - When two schools have faced each other 99 times, there is definitely a familiarity that exists, one that transcends generations. The saga continues, as Georgetown, 9-3 overall, 1-0 in the BIG EAST, welcomes St. John's (9-4,0-1) to Verizon Center Saturday at 1p, the 100th meeting in men's basketball for the schools. Their understanding of each other certainly continues.

"I don't want this to come out the wrong way; it has nothing to do with the 100th meeting" said head coach John Thompson III today at the team's press conference, reflecting on these two school's relationship. "When you play St. John's, it's always special. You juices are always flowing. You're a little more anxious then with the average game".

Thompson then added, "At least for the coach" who is "trying to impose that on the team, and make sure they understand the history, the tradition and everything that has enabled us to be here, representing Georgetown and that group representing St. John's".

Helping in the education is "a little fellow, the point guard, who is a student of the game", none other than senior Markel Starks", who "can give the guys a pep talk" since "He can remember, at least in his lifetime, most of the big games".

SJU leads the series 53-46. G'Town owns a 12-4 advantage over the Johnnies since 2004.

In terms of this Red Storm edition, Thompson said "Every year you look at them...from top to bottom they might be the most talented team in our league". That includes the three headed backcourt monster of Phil Greene, D'Angelo Harrison and Rysheed Jordan, along with wings Sir'Dominic Pointer and Jakarr Sampson. Add shot blocking dynamo Chris Obekpa to the mix.

On Premium Court, we discuss the game, and offer presser audio from Thompson, Starks, and junior wing player Jabril Trawick.

The coach talks Harrison, SJU's trio of guards and adjusting pressure because of them, Jordan, Harrison, the play of his senior wing Aaron Bowen, and the Men Against Breast Cancer effort.

Starks discusses defending the Johnnies, maintaining mental focus, dealing with Obepka, Harrison vs Greene, Jordan, along with matching up with their wings. For his part, Trawick opens up about Hoyas' full court pressure, fellow Philly guy Jordan, maintaining focus, playing against bigger guys Porter and Sampson.

Click here to access the audio. For those who can't, the offer below can change that, at quite a savings!

HoyaReport.com/Premium Court membership also affords one the opportunity to engage in our real time, in-game chat. It's a perfect accompaniment or alternative to the FoxSports 1 and AM 570 broadcasts.

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